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STIFF NECK SYNDROME
by Charlene Friesen
"Oh, my neck is
killing me!" How many times have you rubbed your neck in
frustration while sitting in traffic, trying to meet a work
deadline or untangling your children from the latest wrestling
match?
Believe it or not, that's a stiff
neck that I can bear. Sore neck muscles are much easier to
handle than a neck that is stiff from a stubborn, unrepentant
heart. Stiff-necked folks are definitely their own breed; self
righteous and self absorbed, they exude a "my way or the
highway mentality." They are modern day Pharisees who follow the
commandments at their convenience. Stiff-necked people remain
sinfully steadfast despite repeated rebukes from God. They are
aloof with His teachings and never learn from their mistakes.
In Exodus 32 we learn of the fickle Israelites. While Moses was
having this amazing personal time with God, the Israelites
became impatient and distracted; they thought a little party
would be in order. Idol worshipping, drunkenness and revelry
were the order of the day. God watched their activities with a
burning heart and hustled Moses down the mountain. As Moses
approached the camp, he was appalled by the sordid deeds of the
Israelites. He stood at the entrance to the camp and called,
"Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!" The Levites rallied to
him and were ordered to kill the evildoers with the sword. God
then punished the remainder of the camp with a plague. Wow,
quite the price to pay for a self inflicted kink in your neck.
How is your neck feeling? Do you get a little uppity when
convicted of questionable behavior? Do you justify your
rebellious actions? Try rotating your neck in the direction of
your heart: "Blessed is the man who fears (loves) the Lord, who
finds great delight in his commands." (Psalm 112:1) A quick read
of this verse sounds very flowery and sweet but take a good look
at God's commandments and expectations peppered throughout the
Bible. God's standards are not a skip down the lane. Anyone can
meet lowly expectations. He wants you to stretch for the best!
God values you as a soul worth training!
Can you obey with pure, unadulterated joy? Of course not! Thank
God for the challenge anyway and take two giant steps forward.
Make the choice to rejoice! Attitude is everything in God's
boot camp! Your genuine affection for God and sacrificial manner
beckons the Holy Spirit to carry you onward and upward. Quite
literally, the joy of the Lord will be your strength.
There are only winners in the pursuit of obedience. She stands
at the finish line handing out blue ribbons and band-aids to
every contestant. Skinned knees and bruised egos are part of the
victor's package. You may be a little tired and achy, but your
neck will feel superb!
Copyright 2002 Charlene Friesen
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