Have you ever felt like you had to justify the direction the Lord was taking you – maybe to a friend, family member, or other person whose opinion you valued? There’s nothing wrong with having accountability, or people to whom we feel loyalty. But there are seasons when we just have to know that, when it comes to some spiritual matters, our ultimate loyalty and accountability is to the LORD.
During this time of reflection as we come to the close of another year, we want to encourage you to praise the LORD for the ways in which you were able to grow, change, and reach new milestones. And in the area of spiritual growth, it’s time to become more adamant about not apologizing for certain things that GOD requires of us. It’s time to declare: “Sorry – NOT SORRY!”
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, Paul admonishes us to stop apologizing to people who demand an explanation for the boundaries that we must set in order to continue growing spiritually. People will either start acknowledging the new creature that GOD is making you, or they will withdraw in protest. And that’s okay. We also must be unwilling to apologize when the LORD requires us to change course. In Numbers chapter 22, a Gentile prophet named Balaam experienced firsthand the importance of recognizing when it was time to take a step back and go the other way in obedience to GOD’S Word.
Something else the LORD is calling us to say “Sorry – NOT SORRY” about is HIS FAVOR on our lives. The account of Joseph in Genesis chapter 37 reminds us that the LORD’S favor seems unfair, but only to those who want to obtain it without submitting to the process of chastisement. GOD exalts those who humble themselves, and promotion will be prepared for those who go through the process.
Finally, we must stop apologizing for having passion for JESUS CHRIST. In Luke chapter 7 verses 36-50, we see a woman who pours out her passion for the LORD by her act of washing His feet. She was deemed unworthy to even be in His presence, but JESUS made a declaration about her that we all can apply to our lives. Because she was forgiven much, she showed her deep love and appreciation for what JESUS had done for her. Many around us may choose not to show passion in their outward worship, but not only must we NOT participate; we must also be unapologetic in the passion we show our LORD for the sacrifice He made to redeem and rescue us.
May our response to the naysayers from now on be: “Sorry – NOT SORRY!”
Prayer: FATHER, thank You for establishing and calling us to follow a standard of boldness that requires no justification or explanation. YOU have saved us, justified us, and continue to renew us. May we keep our eyes focused on what YOU are doing, and leave the naysayers or doubters to YOU. We speak blessings upon our week, and we thank YOU for going before us, our loved ones, and those we are in fellowship with. Get the glory out of our lives. In JESUS’ Mighty Name, Amen.