Walk in all the ways that I command you that it may go well with you. (Jer. 7:23)
MY YOUNGEST SON WAS diagnosed with ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) shortly after we adopted him at age four. Upon hearing the diagnosis, my first thought was “Doesn’t every kid had oppositional defiant disorder?” But we soon found out what ODD really looked like. Johnny would ask, “What are we having for dinner?” I would reply, “Hamburgers. See? Dad’s outside grilling them.” Johnny would say, “No, we’re not.” Even though he could use his own physical senses to answer his question, he simply wouldn’t accept the answer. I found it quite exasperating, but my frustration with my son was nothing compared to God’s frustration with the people of Judah.
In Jeremiah 7, His vexation is almost tangible. He reminded the people that He’d led them out of slavery in Egypt and given them important instructions on sacrifices. But of greater value were His words on obedience, which He had given them through Moses and then many prophets after him: If they would obey the Lord, He would be their God, they would be His people, and life would go well for them. The sacrifices and burnt offerings were a picture of God’s promise. But even though they could see, smell, hear, taste, and feel God’s message, they chose to ignore it.
What about you? Do you suffer from spiritual ODD? Do you ignore God’s commands even though they’re right there in His Word?
Fortunately, this “disorder” has a cure: confession, repentance, and obedience. Will you follow God’s prescription today?
Whenever you walk today, remind yourself of one step of godly obedience you need to take.
Mary Blackford lives in Erie, Pennsylvania, and enjoys jet-skiing, sailing, reading, and hanging out with her family and three dogs.
