Another way in which we may have to learn this lesson from God is with harsh scourgings. Perhaps this makes me appear to belong to the 17th century for it does not have a popular sound in our day. We are more likely to bring in the cow bells and try to give everyone a little bit of pleasure than to faithfully declare that our dear heavenly Father may use harsh scourgings to teach His children distrust of self.
Actually, I would prefer to preach from the 23rd Psalm every Sunday for a year. Then I would take up the 53rd chapter of Isaiah and after a long time I would come to the 13th chapter of First Corinthians.
But if I should do that, what would happen to my congregation in the meantime? The flock of God would become the softest, sweetest and spongiest group of no-goods that ever came together!
Psalm 23; Psalm 119:67, 71; Isaiah 53; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 15:9–10; 2 Corinthians 4:5–7
I Talk Back to the Devil, 128, 129.