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Jonah heard the call of the Lord. “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). Jonah, however, made an executive decision to ignore those clear instructions. By doing so he became one of the premier Biblical examples of what not to do. One storm and one large fish later we see how unwise it is to ignore the command of God, thinking we can outrun or outsmart Him. We can’t. It’s foolish to try.
Wisdom comes to a different conclusion regarding following the Word of the Lord. “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). We all have some decisions to make when we hear from God, which we do every time we open up His Word. Are God’s commands meant to be a burden, or are they given out of love? I think God’s character answers that one. Also, are we wiser than God, thinking that we can come up with a better way to go? That one is also not difficult if we just take a moment to think about it. And do we believe, by faith, that there is reward for those servants who obey the Lord’s call? The Bible clearly says “yes.” Do you believe it?
I encourage you to be wise. Have the vision to see where the road you’re on leads. If the destination is a smelly fish stomach you are certainly on the wrong road. Wisdom knows better. Wisdom knows “his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:3-4). Can’t you see that obeying God now is better than obeying Him lat-er (or not at all)? Can’t you see that setting aside your objections and your own agendas is the best thing for you? Trust and obey friends. There is no other wise way.
Doug Wells
Camden Avenue church of Christ
Parkersburg, WV