Isaiah has directed the thirsty to "come”, “listen", and now, to "forsake.”
Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts. . . .
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts." Is.55:9,10
Pruning
our corrupt thoughts and ways as we embrace God's infinitely higher thoughts
and ways is the final step—and the step that shows that we are drinking from
God’s word.
There is a close connection between hearing and doing in the Bible—the New Testament word for "hear" is often translated "obey.” But many of us are content to adopt God’s thoughts with incorporating them into our ways. When workers at a U.S. corporation were surveyed, they reported that their lives were "too crowded, their time with their children too limited." Furthermore they wanted "extra time at home." Attempting to help employees balance work and home, this family-friendly company offered part-time, "flexplace" (allowing workers to work at home), and "flextime" (allowing workers to start their day early or late) work. And new mothers were allowed to work part-time but retain full-time benefits. What was the result? Flextime was the only policy that workers used significantly. It's one thing to say you want more family time; it is quite another to act on that idea.
What thoughts is God asking you to translate into “ways”?
Ø Has God revealed a selfish attitude
toward your leisure? Then begin practicing his higher ways by inviting a lonely
neighbor for dinner or by mentoring a fatherless child.
Ø Has God reminded you that a friend
is in pain? Then call her today to offer some comfort.
Ø Has God reminded you that
your ways have not included any regular fellowship with him? Then change the
pattern of your days to include him.
Ø Has God reminded you that
you and your wife need regular time without the kids? Then hire a weekly
babysitter for you and your wife’s date night.
Your
auditory canals are clogged if God’s thoughts are not also transforming your
ways.
