“‘Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,
and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria…
You put far away the day of disaster
and bring near the seat of violence.
“‘Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory
and stretch themselves out on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock
and calves from the midst of the stall,
who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp
and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,
who drink wine in bowls
and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile,
and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away.’
“The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord, the God of hosts:
“‘I abhor the pride of Jacob
and hate his strongholds.'” Amos 6:1a,3-8a
The prophet’s condemnation for selfish living is stark and sure. Those at ease are those oblivious to God’s highness and insensitive to His world because their priorities are consumed with self. Ears clogged with self-congratulation and eyes that see only with lust lead to hearts that grow callous to God’s word and will.
In a madding world swirling with demands, pulling at limited resources, interrupting our schedule, and agitating our Feng shui, our flesh can tend toward withdrawal and ease. I need, I want, my desires, my bucket list, self care. Turning in on self narrows our view of wider causes and distorts our perception of what is true and important.
We seek security in the mixed religion of Samaria as idol fetishes and strange affections intermingle with our devotion to the Lord. We can no longer distinguish truth from lies. We overindulge in entertainment and luxury by falling for alluring advertising and shutting off our senses to outside needs. We melt into idleness and idols because we’re consumed with self-protection and comfort. And we’re never fulfilled. The Lord abhors attitudes and actions that establish such cold, dispassionate strongholds against His kingdom ways. (2 Kings 17:24-33)
Our Suffering Savior will not stand for indifference and indulgence, a heartbeat and lifestyle that is opposite of His. He announces woe while in mercy offering transformation. Will we take it? As we submit to sanctification, His Spirit undoes what comes naturally apart from Christ and replaces it, perhaps slowly but in grace surely, with godly mindset and choices. He can replace greediness of soul with generosity that truly satisfies. (Isaiah 53:3-6; Mark 10:45)
How and where do I spend my time and resources? When does consulting God and patterning my decisions by His word come into play? As I humble myself and set aside selfish impulses, where has He redirected my desire? How can I begin to lavish my time, attention, and spending on His kingdom agenda? With whom will I be extravagant in encouragement, praise, love, and compassion? Where can He multiply my generosity? Spending ourselves for the Lord bears eternal, joyous return. (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38; Colossians 3:1-2)
Father, swallow my deepest heart desire in all that is of You, so I indulge only in Your grace and ways and word and will, and spend what You’ve entrusted me on others and for Your glory.
As the rain and snow 