Conspiracy Theories…
October 29, 2008 by Dawn
Filed under Bible Based Living
Do not call conspiracy [or hard, or holy] all that this people will call conspiracy [or hard, or holy]; neither be in fear of what they fear, nor [make others afraid and] in dread. (Isaiah 8:12)
The first thing I noticed about this verse is the breakdown:
- Do not call conspiracy, what others will call conspiracy
- Do not call hard, what others will call hard
- Do not call holy, what others will call holy
- Do not be afraid of what others are afraid of
- Do not make others afraid
Wow – that’s a lot of impact for one short verse. Starting at the beginning -
Do not call conspiracy what others call conspiracy. So many times I think there is an ulterior motive for why people do things. (a leftover from my first marriage, I guess). I look for the “real” motive, or “agenda” instead of taking things at face value. Example – I see others with lunch, and wonder, why didn’t anyone invite me…jumping to conclusions, I guess they don’t like me or are all out to get me…actually there was no lunch available in this one instance. So… this verse is saying that I should accept things as they come, don’t look for a hidden agenda.
Don’t call hard, what others call hard. Here I think of “All things are possible with Christ”. This is telling me not to give in, not to say, I can’t do it because it’s too hard. Or to think, It’s too hard to change, and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks… the Bible says we are a “new creation in Christ”, I need to believe and trust that he can change me, and it will never be too hard.
Do not call holy what others call holy – this one is a little harder. I think I am being reminded to be like the Bereans and really interpret the Word for myself with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I need to realize that there are those out there in the church community that say things are okay – but, I need to discern what the Holy Spirit says regarding an issue, not what the church says.
Do not be afraid of what others are afraid of – Jacob is my test in this arena. I am terrified of him going on the mission field, not because I don’t think he can do it, or that he is called to do it…I am being selfish and do not want to lose my son. That is the world’s way of thinking, and while sometimes mine, I really don’t think that it is Jake’s way of thinking. I cannot be afraid of losing my kids, or changing myself, or losing my job, or anything that this world says…be careful, it could have this outcome. I need to trust in Christ and know that He holds me in the palm of His hand.
Do not make others afraid – do not preach fire and brimstone, eternal damnation, or be so dang gone hard on the kids. Let people know that you love them, there is no retribution to be found in my presence. They will be able to voice their opinions, concerns, convictions, and heart without fear of retaliation, judgment or ridicule.
So to sum it up -
Don’t think everyone is out to get you -trust God.
Don’t think you can’t change – with God you can.
Don’t compromise your values – God will tell you what is acceptable in His eyes.
Don’t be afraid – with God all things are possible, and He is with us always.
And most of all…Love others at all times.
More From Dawn
Thanks for the reminders. You got it right!