How is it people are raised up in the same environment, with the same background, yet come out so differently? The realities of what they live by and the convictions that direct their lives vary so much. It really gets me thinking and wondering about the process of life and the many systems of options and choices we all face.
Some things work differently for different people. We hear the calling of “training up a child in the way that they should go,” but what does this mean when two people have grown up with the same background and end up living completely different lives, particularly when it comes to honoring God and following His will and plan?
This problem is not a new phenomenon. The Israelites did it in the wilderness. They were on their journey together, traveling under the same leadership of God from Egypt towards the Promised Land. Because of the original generation’s grumbling and complaining in the desert during the journey, most of them died off in the wilderness before even seeing the Promised Land!
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10 how they all ate of the same spiritual food, drank the same spiritual water, and were surrounded by the same spiritual leadership of God through Moses. In all of this, however, the majority of them still struggled! Only few of them had genuine and authentic faith.
For me, it’s a reminder that the people of God can be at risk for spiritual deadliness if it all just becomes routine for them. The journey is a faith thing and without belief and continued growth in the journey, one is in danger of this reality. Going through the motions, routines, and patterns doesn’t much matter if one’s heart isn’t into it. It begins with all that is happening inside!
I love Paul’s thoughts in the previous chapter that talk about how he desires to attempt to be all things to all people. This isn’t a drive to be a people pleaser, for God is the motivation for living life to the fullest for Paul (and hopefully for all of us). He desires to have a connection with all people in order that some might be saved. He wants to connect with people’s hearts and show them the God filled life no matter their background or upbringing. He wants to unite people to the one true God, no matter the differences that exist.
We are responsible for our own obedience to the cross of Christ and for being integrity-filled followers of Jesus Christ. No matter how much we introduce and saturate people into a Godly background and upbringing, people are going to do what they will do. It’s about what is going on within them… the condition of their hearts. So let’s be responsible for what we can have influence and control over and allow God to do the rest. He is, after all, the rescuer and savior of our souls.
Thanks be to God that He gives our lives meaning and purpose. Now go get ’em and live the life even when others around you check out of it!
Jay
I like this thought, Jay. I need to remember; it's not my responsibility to change people, just to live my life for God so they might see Him…and seek Him. It's humbling and freeing at the same time.