Therefore take careful heed

“Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God. Or else, if indeed you do go back, and cling to the remnant of these nations—these that remain among you—and make marriages with them, and go in to them and they to you, know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the LORD your God has given you.” (Joshua‬ ‭23:11-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Such was the warning God gave the children of Israel, through Joshua.

While reading I saw a parallel of them and us today! 

"Going back and clinging to" the old life seems quite common amongst Christians. Old memories of life in the world surface and are reflected upon with satisfaction. The enemy twists the truth and makes the memories appealing. Of course he would not remind you of the consequences of those "fun" times! His lure, to snag you again, is always prettier than imagined. "Snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish"; that's his main objective; to kill, to steal, to destroy!

We play around with "the world", never really leaving; holding onto its entertainment and other distractions, never realizing our hearts are becoming hardened to the things of God! We get busy. Trials come to turn us back and we dismiss them as "normal"; after all they could happen to anyone! Even as their frequency and intensity escalates, we justify and stay on the broad path that leads to destruction!

Instead of asking God to reveal our sin so we may repent, we go to the doctor and follow his advice! How come we are so quick to obey the medical world but not God? 

The treatment for what ails us, may cost us greatly in money, and time yet does not require our complete submission as does Our Creator! However, by taking the road most greatly traveled, it will ultimately cost us our soul!

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”  (‭‭I John‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

““Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew‬ ‭7:13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

““If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Jesus right after The LORD'S Prayer gives this commandment!

““For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Yet, we hold onto unforgiveness in our heart, all of the while believing ourselves to be "obedient"; so deceived are we.

“Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”” 

(II Corinthians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

People it's long past time to "come out!" Ask God to show you the things of the world you are still holding onto, and then lay down your idols! 

Anything you love more than God is an idol!

““If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA!