Never Say Never

The people replied, “We would never abandon the Lord and serve other gods. [Joshua 24.16]

For just about any person who has read the Old Testament more than once, the statement above is read with knowledge otherwise.

I guess the old cliche' "Never say never" was as true then as it is now.

It is sad though that humanity cannot make the statement above with any integrity.  In the history of mankind as recorded by the Bible, God's followers have been imperfect and have had frequent indiscretions in their relationship with God.

Yes, there exists even among people I know, those who live amazingly pure lives before God.  But to say they would never abandon the LORD is just dangerous.  To say I would never abandon the LORD is dangerous.  We should refrain from any claim that we are unable to keep.  We cannot claim what we will do because until we get to that place, we don't know.

What we can say however is, "by God's grace, I will do such and such..." or "with God's help, I won't do such and such..."  We simply must remember that only God's spirit in us is truly capable of any good thing.  As long as we remain mindful of this fact, we are in a much better position to actually 'live out' a life pleasing to God.

Father, help me to avoid proud statements like the people of Israel made above.  I know I have made so many statements similar to this on my own.  Help me to remember every day that it is You Who gives me the strength to do any and every thing - so let my declarations reflect that fact!