New Zip Code, Same Heart

What happens when God warns us over and over, and we still don’t listen? I can tell you I’ve ignored the signs. Why is that?

If you are on the run or hiding your sin, you might even feel like no one knows - but you do. If you’ve left town, are you looking for a new start or just a new hiding place?

Jeroboam’s story is a clear reminder that we can run out of time. He wasn’t a godless man at the start. God had chosen him and given him part of Israel’s kingdom. He had power, position, and purpose.

But Jeroboam let fear lead him. He didn’t want his people going to Jerusalem to worship, so he set up his own places of worship. He made golden calves. Appointed his own priests. Created his own holidays.

In short, he rewrote God’s commands. Why do we “not” follow God’s way?

God warned him. Again and again. Prophets came. His son got sick. He lost battles. The warning lights were everywhere, but Jeroboam refused to turn around.

Then came the final judgement: “The Lord struck Jeroboam, and he died” (2 Chronicles 13:20 NCV).

God had been patient. But He wasn’t passive. And Jeroboam’s rebellion finally reached its limit.

Just because God is quiet doesn’t mean He approves.

That’s one of sin’s great lies. We tell ourselves that since nothing bad has happened, we must be fine. But God’s silence is usually space to repent, not a stamp of approval.

“The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised, the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives” (2 Peter 3:9 NCV).

God is waiting. But He won’t wait forever. And sin never stays small. What are you doing that is against God’s way?

Jeroboam didn’t just destroy himself. He wrecked a generation. “Jeroboam caused Israel to sin and made them turn away from the Lord” (2 Chronicles 10:15 NCV).

That’s how sin works. Our private choices have public consequences.

“The Lord says, ‘Change your hearts and stop your evil ways so that I won’t bring disaster to you’” (Jeremiah 26:13 NCV).

God was shouting through circumstances, but Jeroboam had already made up his mind.

I could fill a book with my stupid (and sinful) decisions. If you want the truth, I sometimes wonder if I don’t blog for the wrong reasons. You can’t blog your way past God.

But here’s the truth. If we claim that we truly love God and others, we right our wrongs. We confess. We repent. We seek forgiveness. We don’t want to be fresh paint on a cracked foundation.

I would advise you not to wait for the silence. Don’t wait for the strike. Listen to the whisper. Turn while you still can. God would much rather forgive than judge, but He will do both.

We really do reap what we sow. So, we should sow well.

LORD, you are so, so patient. Thank you for your mercy, your forgiveness, and your grace. Grace is love extended to the undeserving. That’s me. Thank you a thousand times. Help me always walk close, because I desire “you”, not just what you can do for me. Help me live life for you, and for others. IJNIP ♥️