Content to Remain Unchanged
By Dan Qurollo
Burke County
As we begin another year, much emphasis is placed upon resolutions for the new year. Many “resolutions” do not last long, for the excitement soon diminishes as the responsibility and challenge increase. Tragically, many Christians seem to make the same resolution each year. As believers, we must resolve to truly seek God-honoring change and avoid contentment to remain unchanged.
The Jews proudly claimed to anticipate the coming of the Messiah. For hundreds of years, the prophets had told of a day when the long-awaited Messiah would come. Despite all the prophecies within Scripture and their knowledge of Scripture, the religious leaders of Judaism tragically missed His coming. As Jesus confronted them with the truth, their hearts became harder each time.
One such exchange is recorded in Mark 12:1-12. Jesus told a parable (an earthly story with a heavenly meaning) in which a man planted a vineyard and then appointed keepers of the vineyard. When the master sent a servant, the husbandmen beat him and sent him away empty. They did this to many more servants, even killing some. Eventually, the master decided to send his son, reasoning that he would surely be received. Tragically, he was killed as well. Jesus used that story to illustrate the Scriptural teaching “The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner” (Psalm 118:22-23). Mark 12:12 contains their reaction, “And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him and went their way.”
Rather than changing, these individuals chose to depart. They would rather leave while being wrong than to admit they are wrong and be corrected.
Tragically, many believers hear the teaching of the Word of God and are convicted by it. However, they would rather leave and continue in their lifestyle than to admit their wrongdoing and seek forgiveness. They are described as hearers only in James 1:22-25.
When convicted by the teaching of the Word of God, do you depart and remain unchanged? Or do you confess it and forsake it? Are you content to remain unchanged?
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Dan Qurollo is pastor of Morganton Baptist Church. You can visit them online at www.morgantonbaptist.net, on Facebook or on Youtube.
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