Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. You must warn each other every day, while it is still
“today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against
God. Hebrews 3:13 NLT
Toasted bread
is sumptuous, but hard bread isn’t.
When
selecting a loaf of bread, I choose the loaf that is softest to the touch. Soft
bread means fresh bread. I’ve also learned putting the twist tie back after
retrieving slices ensures the freshness lasts longer. My wife and I often
encase our loaf of bread in a Tupperware container or place it in the refrigerator.
Yet, if the loaf of bread remains uneaten long enough, it will harden, get
stale, and perhaps even mold. Hardening of bread is inevitable.
Moses
faithfully led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, but many in the loaf
weren’t as sensitive to God as he was. No sooner had they left Egypt than they complained—not
enough water, food, shoes, or clothes. And when Moses stayed on the mountain
too long retrieving the Ten Commandments, they had his brother construct a golden
calf for them to worship. In spite of all they witnessed God do, they readily
hardened their hearts.
Hardening can
happen in believers’ lives. I know; it did with me. As a rebellious teenager, I
was hardened to God’s voice. I heard him, but his voice was faint because of my
sinful practices.
Hardening
isn’t instantaneous but takes place slowly and sometimes over a long period of
time. I didn’t suddenly become a teenager with a hardened heart. My temporary
walk away from God came on slowly and almost unnoticeably. It began with
rebellious thoughts in my pre-teen years and blossomed into full-blown
rebellion several years later.
I’ve
discovered the best way to avoid hardening is to stay close to God, meditate on
his Word, pray, hang around with other believers, and keep my priorities in
order. These practices make it easier for me to reject rebellious thoughts.
Since I’m not
perfect, I’ll fall occasionally, but it doesn’t have to be purposefully or
regularly. When I do, I’m quick to confess so the wrong attitude doesn’t linger
and cause more destruction.
What action
can you take to prevent the hardening of your heart?
Prayer: Lead
us, Holy Father, into a closer journey with You so we might avoid paths leading
to hardened hearts.
Tweetable: Is your heart hard or soft?
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