Instinct Error

Instinct Error

Jude 1: ¹⁰ But these people attack with insults anything they do not understand; and those things that they know by instinct, like wild animals, are the very things that destroy them. ¹¹ How terrible for them! They have followed the way that Cain took. For the sake of money they have given themselves over to the error that Balaam committed. They have rebelled as Korah rebelled, and like him they are destroyed.

 

============

 

“That’s stupid!” I said when I heard of an action someone was taking. It did not make sense to me how someone could do or say what he or she did or said. I then told several people how “stupid” I felt the action was.

 

• I used insulting language because “I” felt I had a right to criticize.
• I looked down on the person because I did not understand his or her actions.
• I used my instinct to surmise their actions were “stupid” and my insults were not.

 

Jude continues to discuss the dangers of insulting the spiritual realm. He gave specific examples of people who used their instincts to murder, lie for money or to be rebellious. They were met with destruction.

 

My Observations:

• My instinct starts off sinfully so I need to give my plans to GOD for cleansing.
• My first thought is to sin, then ask for forgiveness, BUT GOD would rather that I consider asking HIM if I should do or say something before I take action.
• Understanding that I have a sin nature makes me aware that I am capable of committing sin at a moment’s notice, therefore, I need GOD to guide me.

 

Instincts can be very dangerous. I mean, when I see things with my human eyes, I take the fear, lusts and desire for affirmation that is inside me and twist what I see into something I can attack. I then use the same tactics as Satan by insulting versus giving him or her over to GOD.

 

JESUS took on many insults and was ridiculed for HIS actions. “Why would GOD become human and die?” scoff those who lust for power. BUT HE did not see that power was important enough to have you and me die because of sin. I do not understand what JESUS did, but instead of insulting HIM, I am grateful for HIS love for you and me.

 

Challenge

• What “error” does the writer mention?
• Have you ever considered that your instincts could be wrong at least part of the time?
• Will you consider taming your words and actions by asking GOD, “Is this pleasing to YOU?” so HE can guide you with better words or actions today?

Knowing and Doing

 

Knowing and Doing

Romans 14: ¹⁴ We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a mortal, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵ I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. ¹⁶ Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. ¹⁷ So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me. ¹⁸ I know that good does not live in me—that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. ¹⁹ I don't do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do. ²⁰ If I do what I don't want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me.

 

============

 

“How old are you?’” was the very pointed question to me. Reading between the lines, I sensed the person was trying to point out my lack of experience. “Tell the truth” was the voice inside me. I added four years to my age, placing me in the group that was “experienced” but not “over-experienced.” This lie got me nowhere.

 

• Many times I know what is right but I do not do it.
• Many times I know the right way, but something pops up inside me and I go the wrong way.
• Many times I know how I could be successful, but I follow my instincts and fail.

 

Paul is expressing some serious pain in this passage. He explains that he knows the Law is holy and spiritual. He then explains that he has a desire to follow the Law but winds up breaking it because of the sin inside of him. He’s not the only one.

 

• GOD knows I have sin living inside me.
• GOD made my soul so HE is the only one who knows how to cure it.
• GOD knows how to handle the sins I so easily fall into.

 

All humans sin. As I stated many times before, “We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other, saying ‘You have mud on you.’” I mean, we are all sinners trying to compare our sins to each other so we can tell other people they are sinners.

 

BUT GOD sees something different. HE sees my sins and loves me so much that HE wanted to save me from my destruction. HE knows I want and desire sin, even though I know the Law. To help me with the war inside me, GOD placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to win the battles and the war. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to guide me back to HIS ways.

 

• Are you conflicted?
• Do you know the right thing to do but are afraid to do the right thing?
• Will you ask GOD for bravery to live for HIM so HE can help you win the war inside you today?

Not Knowing

Luke 23: ³² Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

============

“Come up here and get your hand whacked” said the new teacher to me. Yes, this was allowed. “I didn’t do anything” I exclaimed. Because we were sitting alphabetically, I was parked next to a couple of people who caused trouble. The teacher could not discern who exactly did what.

• A few times I have been mistakenly lumped into the crowd.
• A few times I have been mislabeled.
• A few times I have been thrown in with those who did stuff that I did not do.

Innocent JESUS was convicted of crimes HE did not commit. HE was nailed to the cross between two criminals to be an example of what not to do. JESUS does something strange. HE prays to the FATHER and says “Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”

• JESUS forgives my many sins that I blatantly and inadvertently commit.
• JESUS knows that I do not know exactly what the penalty is for my sin.
• JESUS wants me to understand, just a little, that HE was blameless and took my penalty for my sins.

“Not knowing is no excuse” I was told when being convicted of a speeding ticket. The same applies to sin, but on a much larger scale. Not knowing JESUS will be no excuse, especially since HE wrote HIS laws on every human heart.

GOD gave me the ability to not choose HIM and HE will help me do just that. When I want to go my merry way, GOD has enough grace to allow me to mess things up and welcome me back when I come crying to HIM for help. GOD’s grace for me is truly amazing!

• Are you misunderstood?
• Are you mislabeling GOD?
• Do you get angry at HIS love because you do not know what HE is doing in your life?
• Will you allow GOD to take care of you even when others are blaming you?