In our daily walk as Christians, we may find ourselves inadvertently showing contempt for the Lord without even realizing it. This article explores how seemingly small actions can have significant spiritual consequences and how we can strive to honor God in all aspects of our lives.
The subtle Nature of Contempt
Contempt for the Lord often manifests in subtle ways. When we’re tempted to sin, our conscience may nudge us, or the Holy Spirit may prompt us to resist. Choosing to ignore these divine warnings is an act of showing contempt for the Lord. As Proverbs 1:7 reminds us, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
While our actions may seem insignificant, disregarding God’s word or silencing the Holy Spirit’s prompting is a serious matter. The Bible provides several examples of how seemingly small acts of disobedience led to severe consequences.
Biblical Examples of Contempt
1. Moses Strikes the Rock (Numbers 20:8-12)
God instructed Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the Israelites. However, frustrated by their constant complaints, Moses struck the rock instead. This act of disobedience, though seemingly minor, resulted in Moses being forbidden from entering the Promised Land. God’s response teaches us that He holds His leaders to a high standard and expects precise obedience.
2. The Disobedient Prophet (1 Kings 13)
A prophet was commanded by God not to eat or drink while in Bethel. Despite initially obeying and even rebuking a king, he later believed another prophet who contradicted God’s direct instructions. This decision to trust man over God’s word led to dire consequences. It highlights the importance of unwavering obedience to God’s word, even when it conflicts with the opinions of others.
3. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)
King David’s affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah is a stark example of blatant contempt for God’s law. Despite knowing God’s commandments, David chose to follow his desires. God’s rebuke through the prophet Nathan was severe: “You have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his sight.” (2 Samuel 12:9)
Modern Examples of Contempt
While these biblical accounts may seem extreme, we too can show contempt for God in our daily lives, often in ways that appear less dramatic but are equally serious in God’s eyes.
1. Willful Disobedience in “Small” Matters
Like Moses striking the rock, we may choose to disobey God in ways we deem insignificant. For instance, we might consistently neglect our times of prayer and Bible study, prioritizing our own schedules over communion with God. This seemingly small act of disobedience can indicate a heart that values personal convenience over obedience to God.
2. Trusting Worldly Wisdom Over God’s Word
Similar to the disobedient prophet, we might be tempted to trust popular opinion or worldly wisdom over God’s clear instructions in Scripture. For example, adopting cultural values that contradict biblical teachings, even when they seem more appealing or easier to follow. This choice demonstrates a lack of trust in God’s wisdom and authority.
3. Indulging in Secret Sin
Like David’s initial attempt to hide his sin with Bathsheba, we might engage in private sins, believing they don’t harm anyone else. This could involve viewing inappropriate content online, harboring bitterness, or engaging in dishonest business practices. Though hidden from others, these acts show utter contempt for God’s holiness and omniscience.
4. Casual Approach to Worship
When we approach worship with a lack of reverence or preparation, treating it as just another activity rather than an encounter with the living God, we show contempt for His majesty. This attitude echoes the irreverence that cost Nadab and Abihu their lives when they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-3).
5. Compromising Moral Standards
Justifying “small” ethical compromises in our daily lives — such as exaggerating on tax returns or being dishonest to avoid conflict — demonstrates a disregard for God’s call to holiness. This selective obedience is reminiscent of King Saul’s partial obedience, which God viewed as rebellion (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
The High Cost of Contempt
These biblical accounts demonstrate that God takes our obedience seriously, regardless of how insignificant our actions may seem to us. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
Contempt for the Lord can manifest in various ways:
- Ignoring conviction: When we silence our conscience or the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
- Selective obedience: Choosing which parts of God’s word to follow based on our preferences.
- Rationalizing sin: Making excuses for our disobedience or minimizing its significance.
- Presuming upon God’s grace: Taking advantage of God’s forgiveness as a license to sin.
Striving for Obedience
Recognizing our tendency to show contempt, we must actively pursue obedience and reverence for God. Here are some practical steps:
- Regular self-examination: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT). Regular self-examination helps us stay aligned with God’s will and identify areas where we may be unintentionally showing contempt.
- Cultivating sensitivity to the Holy Spirit: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21, NLT). By staying attuned to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can avoid straying into contemptuous behavior.
- Studying and meditating on God’s Word: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, NLT). Immersing ourselves in Scripture strengthens our resolve to obey God and guards us against unintentional disobedience.
- Accountability within the Christian community: “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17, NLT). Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage and hold us accountable helps us stay on the right path.
- Cultivate integrity in all areas of life: Regularly examine your actions and motivations, striving to align them with God’s standards of holiness, even in seemingly small matters. Integrity in the “small” things is a reflection of our overall obedience to God.
- Prepare your heart for worship: Before attending church or engaging in personal worship, take time to focus your mind and heart on God, approaching Him with reverence and gratitude. This preparation honors God and enhances your worship experience.
While God’s standards may seem impossibly high, we must remember that He provides the grace and strength to obey. As Philippians 2:13 encourages us, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (NLT)
Let us strive to honor God in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that even small acts of obedience or disobedience carry significant weight in our relationship with Him. May we cultivate a heart that fears the Lord and seeks to please Him in all things, avoiding even unintentional contempt for His holy name.