Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.” Hosea 12:8 – One problem that Hosea found himself in during the time of his telling of his prophetic words was that Israel wasn’t struggling financially at this time. In fact, they were in a season of great wealth, and we see here that reality led them to believe nothing was wrong with the way they were living. How could they have any sin if they were living in such wealth? Here reveals a lie that the enemy longs for us to believe, that the status of our life determines our righteousness. If money is abundant, everyone is healthy, and food is on the table, then you must be living holy…right? If you are struggling, there is sickness in the family, and you have no food, then you must be living sinfully…right? Both are wrong, and we see that in this passage. Isreal was living in an abundance of wealth but also living in an abundance of sin. Idolatry had plagued their nation, and they turned from trusting God to trusting in foreign nations for help. Do not then allow the status of your life right now be your only determiner of the righteousness of your walk with the Lord. Things may be going well, but you may still be in sin somehow. Things may be going poorly in life, but you still are living righteously. Instead of looking at the status of your life as the determiner, look to scripture at the gauge you use to see if you are living righteously or not. For even the most holy of Christians will see struggles, and the most sinful will see worldly blessings. Use the steadfast word of God as your gauge in life and have your eyes open to the right way to live and the sin that may still be present in your life. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2951
Question To Ponder: How have you used the status of your life as the determiner of your righteousness?
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