Love-Hate Relationship

Love-Hate Relationship

Josiah was eight years old when he became king... He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings 22:1a-2a

Josiah was a bright light among the kings of Jerusalem. He became king at eight years old. When Josiah was around 18 years old the book of the Law was found (2 Kings 22:8). After hearing the word of God, Josiah instituted reforms that lead the nation back to following God. But for ten years he lived for God, but without the wisdom of scripture. For ten years he allowed spiritualism, paganism and male prostitution to reside right next to Judaism (actually they resided inside the temple - 2 Kings 23:7). Though Josiah loved God, he did so without the word of God. And without the word, the country was spiritually destitute and actually living against the Lord.

When we deny the word of God, we do it to our own peril. In proverbs 29:18 it says that where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. Revelation always comes from the word of God. When God's word has not been stored in your heart and mind, blessings will be hard to come by. Without the word, it is impossible to know the will of the Father.

I feel sad for the people that say that they "follow God in their own way" or they say that they "no longer need the word of God because of grace". The truth is that these types of people are either too lazy or too arrogant to seek God in wisdom and in truth. They may love God, but they live as if they hate Him. There should be a balance to our claims of love and the choices in our lives. How can I love God and live against His word? I have a question for you... Is a love-hate relationship with God any relationship at all?