Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross Richard Mansel invites you to come visit his new, "Moving Word" blog. http://richardmansel.com/ COLUMN: LIVING THE FAITH Stop Trying to Fool God by Richard Mansel, managing editor The little boy stood very still in the corner of the living room with his eyes closed. His mother passed by a few times, curious. Finally, she asked and he said nothing. She went over and asked sternly. He whispered, "Momma, you can't see me. I'm invisible." As the boy grew, his Mother loved telling the story to illustrate the naiveté of children. He could pretend he was invisible, but everyone in the room could see him. We laugh at their childish behavior. However, maybe we should give it some more thought. Would we dare to admit that we think that we can make ourselves invisible by force of will? There was once a man called by God to go on a mission, and he instead feigned invisibility. Jonah turned and ran and presumably thought God would not notice. Instead, Jonah found himself thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1). He discovered that an invisibility cloak is indeed fictional. God tells us what he wants us to do and to avoid doing in Scripture. When we ignore his will and do what we want, do we think that God will not notice? The Psalmist asks, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7, NKJV). We are foolish to think that we can elude God's eye (1 John 3:20). Since God knows all and sees all, we must solidify in our minds that God is immune to deception (Galatians 6:7). We have only to submit to his will (James 4:10; John 14:15). Scripture tells us what God desires of us and we cannot wish it away or change it (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Galatians 1:8-9). Since God knows and sees everything, then he knows what we are thinking and doing in advance. Likewise, he knew every conceivable rationalization, obfuscation, opinion, excuse, "what if," and "you do not understand," before he gave us the Word of God. Yet, he still demands obedience to his will. Therefore, it is an insult to think that our feeble attempts can overturn his Holy and inspired Word. God knew our particular perceptions and opinions. He was well versed in our culture, but he wrote Scripture anyway. Situational ethics are delusional. Invisibility and outright rebellion meet at the same intersection. Trust God, give him your hand, and allow him to lead you to heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). ---- Read this article online, write your reaction, and read others' comments as well. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/25m4mp4 You can help get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.html