Sometimes we are harder on ourselves than we ought to be. We all make mistakes. We all commit errors. That is the reality of being imperfect people. Therefore, we can be thankful for forgiveness and grace, not only from each other, but especially from God. However, sometimes we may feel we made a stupid mistake; one made because we failed to listen to the direction or warning provided. There are even times when someone is about to do something and an observer urges, “Don’t be stupid.” Sadly, the warning is often ignored.
Stupidity is defined as “behavior that shows a lack of good sense or judgment” or “the quality of being stupid or unintelligent”. Sometimes someone may do something and even express, “I can’t believe my own stupidity.” When it comes to living life in our connection with God, though we will still have moments of error, we will always do best by believing His Word and surrendering to His guidance.
During the days of Jeremiah, we find the sad condition of God’s people described as. . .
“(22) For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’ — in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.” (Jeremiah 4:22 ESV)
The word “stupid” is also found again in other places for the stupidity of idolatry, the lack of understanding among the people, and the lack of good leadership as the nation’s shepherds failed to seek guidance from God. (Jeremiah 10:8, 14, 21; 51:17) God had revealed Himself in a manner they should have acknowledged there was no other like Him. (Jeremiah 10:6-7) Thus, they were without excuse in their stupidity. Rather than maintaining their belief in God and accepting His direction, their wisdom had become that of doing evil and in their stupidity or foolishness they did not know how to do good. Wow!
Jeremiah’s warnings were meant to bring the nation back to their senses so that they would repent of their ways and accept God’s! We live in a world of evil with the invention of more as Paul even noted the foolish who were “inventors of evil”. (Romans 1:30 ESV) Still, God’s patience has continued with each day He provides as an opportunity to repent. (2 Peter 3:9) Having revealed Himself through His Creation (Romans 1:20) and through The Word, it is stupid to not believe and duly respond to the guidance He offers. Let us not be! As God’s people, may we continue to reveal to the world around us the wisdom of believing and following in God’s Sovereign Will for life!
Have a great day LIVING IN THE WISDOM OF BELIEVING!
Carl
