One thing about Veggie Tales that I recall from listening to the song tape was the one about the water buffalo.
Everybody has a water buffalo—
There is always something that is in our thought process that we want to keep that doesn’t line up with the Word of God.
I know this. The process of stripping everything away from my life —husband, brother, dreams, plans, (the list goes on…)—has made me see the purity of God’s promises in a clearer light.
He will never leave me, nor forsake me.
I bet some of you think He is punishing me. I understand. I’ve asked the same question. Why did so much go crazy “wrong” over the last two years?
He’s refining me. Punishment? Perhaps. I am a sinner. I do not justify my sins at all. I know them, confess them, turn from them daily and seek God’s face to help me overcome.
I sin.
Jesus paid for my sin on the cross. I do not want to sin that grace may abound. I want to live a life that is pleasing to my God.
The refining fire is rather hot lately. Suffering is the name of the game. Why, Lord? How long?
How long?
I’ve held to some “water buffaloes” over the years. They are really hard to give up, even when Scripture contradicts them on the face.
For me the biggest one was evolution. I had to face that the creation account in Genesis was real and true. This evolution water buffalo, when pitched out, completely redefined my worldview.
I was a Christian, but my worldview was not Biblical.
Now I have a Biblical worldview and other water buffaloes are pretty obvious.
-Women pastors
-Marriage after divorce
-Divorce
-Critical Theory
-Sodomy
-Abortion
-Drunkeness
-Authority
Did I tap your water buffalo? Do you justify and cling to something on this list? You could probably come up with a whole list of water buffaloes that you see in other people. I find that my own are much easier to ignore than the ones I see in others. Did I step on your toes?
Believers are held to a different standard. Believers are at many different stages, the Holy Spirit moves in each believer to convict and strengthen, uphold and seal. No human brain can comprehend the transformation all at once.
I love those stories of addicts being filled with the Holy Spirit and completely forsaking the past! God is great.
I love Caryl Matrisciana’s story of her momentous conversion, the conviction of sin that dawned on her immediately. Powerful.
This Holy Spirit transformation is the most powerful, life-changing thing in our world. I know this.
We can fight it, cling to water buffaloes, be tempted —(You know those Seven Deadlies: Pride, Anger, Lust, Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Sloth) but the Holy Spirit ALWAYS offers a way out and forgiveness.
God’s great order is obvious to the believer. Don’t fight it. Don’t twist Scripture to justify your water buffalo.
I’m lifting my foot now.
Maranatha!