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- Aug 8
- 4 min read
The End Does Not Justify the Means
In moments of weakness, what do you latch onto as your identity? How do you exhaust yourself trying to hold it together? I recently heard a profound phrase: Where your anger lies, there you will find what you have made your god.
The end never justifies the means. Even if you set out to do the right thing, if you rage or attack the person getting in your way, an idol is hidden somewhere beneath the surface. Machiavelli had it wrong. According to God's law, the end does not justify the means; we must always lead in love.
The Root of Rebellion: Rage
At the heart of rebellion is rage. Have you ever noticed that? We see it play out clearly in the Bible. For example, Cain's rebellion led him to kill his brother Abel.
Psalm 2 also shows the partnership of rage and rebellion, continuing the theme from Psalm 1 regarding the choice between two paths: the righteous path and the wicked path. But Psalm 2 reveals the heart behind the wicked person's choice. In rage, the wicked choose rebellion.
Control vs. Surrender
As we toil, we often find contempt, scorn, and mockery. In rest, however, we can choose joy, adoration, and awe. This truth should encourage us to take counsel with the Lord and stay tethered to Him. Yet, all too often, we tend to tether ourselves to fellow scorners instead.
Why would we choose anger over joy?
Why do we forego becoming the treasured possession of God to become broken pieces of garbage (Psalm 2:9)?
The answer is control and our single-minded focus to possess it. We see the heart of rebellion in Psalm 2:3: "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." The wicked demand to determine their own future—and in doing so, they lose it. Conversely, the righteous yield their future to God and gain an inheritance.
Our plans and our future are determined by God alone. Seeking to burst the bonds and cords of His dominion ultimately dashes the wicked as well (Psalm 2:9).
A Call for Self-Examination
Serving and rejoicing with the fear of God brings the joyful discovery that we serve a God who serves us. Blessed indeed are all who take refuge in Him (Psalm 2:12).
We must not look at God's Word and remain complacent, content to simply be counted among the righteous. We should never leave His presence unchanged. Instead, we should ask God to create a new heart in us by praying:
"God, show me where I am trying to untether myself from You and toiling in my desire for control."
Start by examining where you are toiling and getting nowhere. Consider what makes you the most angry. What in your life are you so afraid to lose that you fear being left empty if it were snatched away?
Finding Abundant Life in Jesus
I write this not from a place of conquering, but from a place of conviction. I find myself turning to the Lord, repenting once again for what feels like the thousandth time for looking to something other than being a servant of God for my worth and identity.
This time of reflection was particularly crushing because God showed me the depths of my anger and frustration. In my attempt to do the "right" thing, I lost my love for others. I allowed previous hurts and fear to lead me instead of love. I was afraid because I felt like I was standing on an unsteady foundation that would one day come crashing down—and I was right.
I had untethered myself from Jesus and His ways without even realizing it as I walked through my days. No foundation is secure except Jesus Christ. Now, feeling broken and dashed to pieces, I realize how I lost sight of what an abundant life in Jesus Christ truly looks like.
True prosperity comes when we abide in Him—not when we untether ourselves to work for Him, taking up His cause like avenging saints while leaving His love behind. How grieving it is to admit this, yet blessed are those who take refuge in Him from the folly of our own sin.
Walking the Road of Prosperity
Each of us has been sent by God for a purpose, and as He sends us, He gives us promises and instructions. Yet as we go, we can easily try to take control of what belongs to God alone. Another vital question to ask is:
"God, how am I assuming Your role on the throne? How do I need to submit to You instead of making demands?"
Take a moment to bask in the promises offered to those who serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. When we walk the road of prosperity instead of digging in our heels against the Lord, we embrace His wisdom. We stop counseling with mockers, scorners, and schemers which leads to our own demise. The warning in God's Word teaches us to submit and revere Almighty God, rather than remaining fearless in our own folly.
We’re so glad you spent a few moments here with us today. Our heart is to explore together what it means to live fully and abundantly in Jesus Christ. If these thoughts spoke to you, we offer them as a gentle starting point for your own time with God today. Feel free to check out our podcast episode on this topic if you enjoy listening on the go, or download the reflection journal sheets whenever you need a quiet space to slow down, rest in His presence, and reflect.
Link to our Podcast, Episode 44- Ruling Over Sin https://soundcloud.com/angela-guy-955436747/alm-gathering-at-the-147565127?si=11e6b3e888c2432b9bdbed2519b7dc76&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
