“Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 7:12
An interesting thing happens in the book of Habakkuk: God shows His people a hard side of grace by allowing the Chaldeans to invade them. This was “hard” in that they would suffer for a time, and it was “grace” in that they would be restored afterward, even strengthened.
Put yourself in the place of these chosen ones. Their natural response would be to look outward and blame the Chaldeans for every pain and problem. But that would never get the people of God to the heart posture of humility that leads to restoration. A blaming heart resists the Spirit’s conviction. It did then and it does now.
It is easy for us to point a finger at our culture— the entertainment industry, educational institu- tions, government, popular religion—and say that all our ills are their fault. And to be sure, some are. But not all.
If restoration is our hope, repentance is our need.
Make it Personal
Listen to the Holy Spirit’s call within your own heart today. Is there any sin that you need to repent of?