Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get hard? Three Dog Night had a song in the late 60s (1969) titled Easy to be Hard with the lyrics “Easy to be hard/Easy to be cold.” (From the musical Hair).
It is easy to get hard toward people. Maybe you’ve worked with them and thought you had a pretty good relationship when suddenly they give you the cold shoulder. It is easy to think, “Well, if that’s the way they want to be.” Several years ago I had developed what I thought was a good friendship. We talked a lot. Our families spent time together. We ate out together. He and I went to a Saturday morning Bible study together. Then Boom! He withdrew and wanted nothing to do with me. To this day I still don’t know what happened, although before I moved the relationship was restored.
It is more tragic when that happens with God. We are told not to grieve the Holy Spirit. but I know there are times I test those limits. I disappoint Him with my words and actions. The relationship which was so dear and so vital is now cool, even cold. My heart grows hard to the things of the Spirit. I have trouble hearing His quiet whisper, or even His loud shouts for that matter! It is easy to be hard, easy to be cold as the song said.
Don’t let that happen. Stay sensitive to the Spirit. If sin is there, confess it and get rid of it. If something else has crept in to take His place, renounce it! Ask Him to restore your heart to the love you once knew.
“Father, You don’t move. It is me who gets cold and hard. Forgive me when that happens. Help me to once again be sensitive to the voice of Your Spirit.”
Here is a song to get you to think some more about what I have written.
Recently, I had to put an end to a long-standing friendship. My best friend. It was needful but I’m still gut-wrenched and heart-sore. I pray I don’t get cold and hard regarding people and friendships, and of course, Abba. I would appreciate your prayers. Thanks, Pastor Bill.
I simply cannot imagine how hard that had to be. But, as you state, it is sometimes needful. Some people are toxic. Some are draining. i will pray your heard does not grow cold or hard Diane. Thanks for being vulnerable.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
I am pretty sure I can come off being hard towards people at times. There have been a few friendships I have let go of through the years. Some intentionally, some not. The reasons vary. Some hurt more than others. Some hurt a great deal.
I can only wonder what that must be like with God. One day on fire and the relationship is strong, the next cold and distant to non-existent.
Your prayer is a good one Bill, one I am going to say myself.
Sometimes ending a friendship is good. But mostly, like you said, some hurt more than others. As for God, you ask a good question. I’m glad to have you join me in that prayer.
I pray that I may never give the Holy Spirit the “cold shoulder.” It will be because of God’s grace that I welcome Him into my life to stay.
Great sermon on Sunday, too, Bill!
Blessings!
That is my prayer also Martha. And thanks for the kind words. Hmmm. Want to my publicist? 🙂