Rock Bottom

     What do we do when others won't listen to common sense, experience, or heed our warnings? I believe some people are good at taking advice and others must wrangle around in the mud to eventually achieve clarity. Some people, not unlike myself, can't get things the easy way. They must endure, what I call 2X4 moments, where they get hit upside the head a few times in order to change direction. 

     When we don't go with God's direction whether through people giving us advice or praying; we get to hit a wall because that's the only way God can get our attention. I'd like to say it gets better with age, but only maturity in Christ Jesus will change such behavior.

     Unfortunately, those around one who won't listen reap the fruit of their unwillingness to listen. At which point, we need to step back and realize that they must own their behavior. We are not to blame. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I give this advice from experience and know that as long as others are willing to take the fall and the responsibility for someone else's behavior then the individual will not have to take responsibility for his/herself, thus s/he will not grow and mature from the experience. 

     My advise to those in the destructive path of people unwilling to listen to guidance from God or others: pray for them, listen to them, and point them to God. But do not take responsibility for their choices. If allowed to wallow in their past, blaming others for their lack of progress; no progress will be made.

     All sin has consequences, but all sin is also forgiven when we are able to get to the point of seeing our actions for what they really are: rebellion and sin, then ask God for forgiveness. If people soften our fall, we don't hit rock bottom hard enough to knock the sense back into us. Sounds crazy I know, but believe me, God will get these loved ones through the present situation and they will be stronger and healthier and more deeply faithful to God as a result.  

Psalm 78:35 They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.