Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The Problem With the Familar

In the book of Exodus 33:7-8, we learn that "Moses took the tabernacle and pitched it without the camp, far off from the camp and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of the congregation which was without the camp." We also must pitch our tent a good distance from the camp, the camp of familiarity. When Jesus told His disciples to follow Him, He called them to leave the familiar pattern of their lives for extended periods and be alone with Him (Matthew 19:27; Luke 14:33). The Lord knows that men, by nature are unconsciously governed by the familiar. In I Corinthians 3:3, Paul rebuked the church at Corinth because they walked "like mere men." Most people pass through life umbilically tied to the familiar. Where have you pitched your spiritual tent? Hebrews 13:12-13 says "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." If we are going live holy, productive, spiritual lives, we must sever the chains and restraints of the bondage of desiring just an average life. We must choose to leave the camp of familiarity and place our tent in the Presence of God. The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you. We serve Adonai, He is the one who must be obeyed. The name implies that all those who submit to Him can enter Christ's perfect rest, expecting to receive God's direction, supervision, and provision. Walking with Him will take you outside the camp of the familiar. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

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