Think how much of human life is a struggle for control. Investors struggle for control of a business . . . husbands and wives struggle over money, sex, and time . . . parents and children over the children’s behaviors and attitudes . . . elected officials over legislation and campaign money.

People want to control their religious beliefs as well. It goes against the grain of the old sinner in us simply to accept and obey what has been handed down to us in the Bible. Our postmodern age despises absolute authority and is convinced that truth, morality, and ethics are relative. The only truth that matters is my truth. The only arbiter of my behavior is how I feel. 

God is outraged when his clear messages to the people of the world he created are shunted aside in favor of beliefs that are more “comfortable” and “reasonable.” “How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship” (Jeremiah 23:26,27).

God punishes disobedience. Realize the great peril of consciously rejecting something you know to be true from the Bible. Let its timeless and universal truth be your truth. Let its words establish your value system, shape your attitude, and guide your behaviors. Let its magnificent love letter from God to you warm and inspire your heart to listen for his voice.