Alertness vs Assumption

The enemy of alertness is assumption. When we assume that we know best, when we fail to seek God's input, we blindly walk into the enemy's trap. Keep Reading...

​READ
Joshua 9:14-15 - The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

REFLECT
God was clear with his instructions to Israel. They were not to make a treaty with any of the surrounding nations. Why? God did not want the idols of these nations to infiltrate the Israelite community. There were to be a holy people - set apart to the one true God.

A neighboring nation, Gibeon, feared the power of Israel and her God. So they decided to play a trick on Israel and deceive them into making a treaty. Joshua and his leaders were not alert to this deception and made a very bad call. They agreed to a treaty and opened the door for the enemy and idolatry to live among them. How did this happen? Joshua assumed that he knew what to do. He did not inquire of the Lord.

Living off of assumption or resting in past experience brings a dullness into our spirits. Getting blindsided by the enemy comes when we assume we know what is best. Seeking the Lord's input happens only once in a while for "big" decisions. But, normally, we can just cruise on self-reliance. This makes us susceptible to walk right into the enemy's deception.

Alertness comes through active dependence on God. When independence dies, we have a real opportunity to navigate through the enemy's deceiving plans. This alertness is practiced. It doesn't come naturally. So, we must focus ourselves to stop, listen and respond to the Spirit - as opposed to only responding to the people or situations in front of us.

RESPOND
Have you been living in a state of assumption or alertness? Take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit about this. Commit to the practice of listening and responding to Him in the midst of your everyday living.