How was I to know?

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.   — Ephesians 4:30

It was high-school concert season, and the music students were preparing for the big Christmas extravaganza. The teacher had clearly communicated every detail to the students and to the parents — on two different occasions — and the time for mandatory rehearsal was clearly spelled out.

But on rehearsal day one panicky mother called during practice to see what time her teenager was supposed to show up. Another called to say, “Oh, we’re taking Tommy to Grandma’s. It’s okay if he misses rehearsal, right?” When the teacher reminded the parents that this required practice had already started, she heard, “Why didn’t somebody tell me? How was I to know?”

Just as this teacher was troubled that her clear instructions were ignored, is it possible that God is troubled by our tendency to ignore His clear instructions? In 1 Thessalonians, Paul reminds us that his God-inspired message tells us “how to live in order to please God” and that those instructions have “the authority of the Lord Jesus” (4:1-2 NIV). The Lord is grieved, Paul explains, when we ignore His teaching and live our own way (Eph. 4:30-5:2).

Let’s make a point to read God’s instructions and then live by them. — with no excuses. — Dave Branon

God’s Word was given for our good

And we are to obey,

Not choose the parts that we like best,

Then live on our own way. — Hess

READ: 1 Thess. 4:1-12

There is no good excuse for ignoring God.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 40-42

• Hebrews 4