Duh, that’s me

We are working our way through Judges; there’s a common theme. When the Israelites get a good leader, they do well; when the leader dies, they screw up.

‘That is the story of how the people of Israel defeated Midian, which never recovered. Throughout the rest of Gideon’s lifetime—about forty years—there was peace in the land. ‘
Judges 8:28

‘As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them. ‘
Judges 8:33-34

I’m quick to judge the Israelites. Man, how can they do that? How can they forget the Lord? But then I think, duh, I do the same thing. As soon as I take my eyes off my leader, Jesus, I screw up. Then, as I read 1 Thessalonians 2, the text reminds me of my true purpose. If we keep that simple phrase— “my purpose is to please God,”— at the top of our minds, how much better life will be. Not just when I’m at church, or in battles, but in the mundane moments, and the quiet times.

‘For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. ‘1 Thessalonians 2:4

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me, for creating me on purpose, for a purpose. Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts, words, and actions. Holy Spirit, you know the motives of my heart. Keep my heart fixed on my leader, Jesus, today. It’s in his name, I pray, amen.