How many times have we been told how to do something but we want to do it our way? Then we discover that our way is the hard way. I know I’ve been there many times. As children, we seek our independence. We don’t realize that our quest for independence isn’t without rules and structure. As adults, we resist the control of others for our way must be better than theirs. Then we learn that their experience could’ve saved us some time and trouble. Yes, there are things we bring to the table, but the insight from others is also helpful. As a result, our way isn’t always the best way. Doing it God’s way keeps our path sure as we walk with Him.
The Story: Numbers 20:1-12
In Numbers 20:1-12, the children of Israel have been in the wilderness for 40 years. Miriam died during this time. Unfortunately, the people continued to complain about the wilderness conditions. They also accused Moses of bringing them there to die because there was no water to drink.
Because of the complaining people, Moses and Aaron sought the Lord. They worshipped God and His glory fell on them. As a result, God told Moses to take the rod and speak to the rock in front of the people. Then water would pour from the rock allowing the people and livestock to drink. As Moses endeavored to follow God’s instructions, he lost his way. By interacting with the people, his anger rose. The appearance of anger caused him to forget everything God said. As a result, he struck the rock. By following his own way, Moses took glory from God and operated in disobedience.
The Lesson
How often do we allow our emotions to get us off course? We awake with a plan and even say a prayer to start our day. Yet, one interaction with someone causes us to lose focus and bad behaviors follow. Although Moses’ disobedience kept him out of the Promised Land, there remains hope for us.
God knows that we have emotions, but we can’t allow them to do what they want. Ephesians 4:26-27 acknowledges our anger, but reminds us not to allow it to fester. Romans 14:16-18 encourages us not to behave in ways that create evil words toward us. God has a plan for each of us and we don’t want to tarnish it with bad behavior.
So how do we keep doing it God’s way? Ephesians 5:11 tells us to have no part with darkness. Instead we keep our conduct honorable in accordance with 1 Peter 2:12. In addition, we follow the thought checklist of Philippians 4:8. With this, our thoughts remain positive and we avoid the negativity that can divert our path. In other words, we follow the guidance of Joshua 1:8 by meditating on the Word day and night so we remain full of God’s way of doing things.
