Passage Read: Hebrews 11-12
Meditation Verse: 12:15
Thought
The writer here gives many things to watch out for, to "be sure that no one...." Two of them are missing the grace of God and allowing a root of bitterness to spring up. Missing the grace of God is behind all of these warnings, because it is the grace of God that allows us to endure and accept difficulties and trials, and it is the grace of God that enables and empowers us to do all things righteously. So missing the grace of God in some difficult circumstance or unjust treatment or even righteous discipline can plant a seed of bitterness. And if that seed germinates and sends out roots, it can become a thing that doesn't just harm the one entrapped by bitterness, but through that person, it can defile many others. The bitter person spreads his poison and infects anyone not on guard against it. Immature believers are the most at risk of being defiled, but anyone who has not learned to receive the grace of God and stand by it in any unpleasant situation is at risk.
Application
If my obedience to Christ and His commands brings me loss or harm, do I recognize it as God's design and remain faithful to obey? Or do I get a little upset, maybe continue in obedience, maybe stop, but fail to recognize that the suffering is indeed good for my soul because it is designed by God? If I'm called out by God or others for my sin, am I grateful or do I get angry at the person rather than my sin? Do I make some changes to make sure no one can catch me again? Or do I admit my behavior is wrong and work to eliminate it so as to gain victory over it? If I get a little upset or a lot, but fail to recognize that whatever reason I suffer, God has allowed it and designed it for my growth in humility and holiness and heart for eternity, then I miss the grace of God and add a little more to the bitterness tucked away in my heart. I become more and more of a danger to myself and to others. As I complain to others about the unfairness or injustice or cruelty of others, I spread my faulty thinking and selfish perspective and encourage others who aren't on guard to think like me. Not only do I remain trapped by my fleshly thinking, but I strengthen others in theirs. I drag others down and away from Christ and His grace; I become responsible not only for my downfall but also for others'. God forbid! Bitterness is a wicked enemy; receiving God's grace to trust Him in whatever He ordains for me is my only defense against bitterness. Whatever bitterness still remains in me, I need to root out rather than let it continue to fester in my heart and slowly poison me, and through me cripple others.