Do We Reflect Jonah's Character Trait of Defiance?

Although Jonah submitted to what God commissioned him to do, he failed to develop a positive attitude related to God’s calling him to preach in Nineveh. While Jonah delivered God’s message with conviction, something was missing in his heart.

Jonah hated Nineveh. God, however, demonstrated his grace and mercy to the people of Nineveh by forgiving and saving them. We, like Jonah, can be unavailable to God by embracing resentment.

Now is the time for to you turn your heart toward God by being receptive to his vision and purpose for you. 

God demonstrated his love and compassion to you by sending Jesus to save you from a view of life that’s too narrow. God loved you so much he commissioned Jesus be your Savior, and that’s well worth celebrating from the depths of your heart. God’s desire is to put love for all people in your heart. So give thanks to God for what you can be now.                  

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The Lord said to his people, “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths and where the best road is. Walk in it and you will live in peace.” But they said, “No, we will not!” 

~Jeremiah 6:16 Good News Bible

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

~John 3:16 New International Version 

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What Makes Responding to God's Call So Difficult?

Jonah’s reluctance to take God’s message to the people of Nineveh made it impossible for him to receive the joy God wanted to give him. The effort Jonah expended trying to escape God’s call far exceeded what was necessary for declining God’s invitation to serve him.

Completely surrendering to God’s call requires commitment. I’m not referring to one particular thing God has called you to do, but holding on to a faulty belief system restricts God’s purpose for you. Jonah mistakenly believed the people of Nineveh were not worth saving and refused to change his mind.

Jonah refused to believe God’s love was available to all people. Jesus came to be Lord and Savior to everyone who would receive him, which is difficult for some people to accept.

Joyfully give your heart to God so you will be receptive to what Jonah missed – a heartfelt love for all of God’s people – and that’s a precious blessing.

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 

~Hebrews 12:1 New International Version 

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Why Does God Desire to Change Your Mind and Your Heart?

Jonah could not escape God’s calling, but the effort he made to do so was impressive. Have you ever been isolated in total darkness and feared the light of day might never be seen again? This experience opened Jonah’s eyes and gave him clarity for understanding God’s purpose and plan.

The crisis Jonah experienced in the darkness opened his will to accepting God’s plan, but it did not mean he had compassion for the lost people of Nineveh. He realized he had to change his attitude toward God’s calling on his life, and that’s what mattered.

The coming of Jesus helps us acknowledge God’s presence in the affairs of all people. He yearns for a significant place in your heart for now and all eternity. 

In a changing world God provides clarity of what it means to be accountable for the measure of faith and security he so graciously makes available as you place your life into his care.

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

~Romans 15:13 New International Version  

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How Difficult Is It to Be Accountable to God?

Jonah was an interesting and amazing character, in that his life and response to God’s calling and purpose reflect ours at some level. Have you ever avoided responding to God’s plan and purpose for your life?

Jonah fled his country to resist God’s plan to send him to Nineveh to preach God’s simple message of salvation. He sensed God would forgive and bless them, which was contrary to what Jonah wanted. Did he believe he could escape being accountable to God’s purpose by running away?

God gave Jonah a concise message to preach to the people of Nineveh, just as he sent a distinct message to the world in the birth of Jesus. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to save it. How accountable are you to God by choosing to serve him where you are now, at this moment? Spiritual clarity is closely related to faith and trust in Jesus and by letting go of resistance. 

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Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

~Psalm 119:105 New International Version 

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. 

~John 16:13 New International Version 

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Can God's Calling Become Distorted?

I’ve always been impressed with Jonah, the Old Testament prophet who refused to go to Nineveh to preach God’s message of salvation. Jonah refused God’s call because he felt ambivalent about what would happen to him if he failed or was successful.

By reading the book, it appeared that Jonah never accepted that God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness were unrestricted and open to all who believed and repented. Cautious optimism for God loving the people of Nineveh was challenging for Jonah.

Sometimes a reality check is necessary to determine if cautious optimism distorts your thoughts and feelings which then prevents you from being accountable for what you could be or do for God. As you think about the Lord Jesus Christ being Savior for all people, rid yourself of any distortions of clarity.

Then you will be joyful in your heart and soul by being able to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord God.

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Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

~James 1:4 New International Version 

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What Is Required When Facing Uncertainty?

As political issues consistently change, feelings of uncertainty are assured. Two responses stand out when faced with uncertainty. Overreacting with fear and anxiety is prevalent, while pretending nothing has changed is typical for some people.

So what is a normal response to uncertainty? Cautious optimism, designed to tolerate anxious moments, refuses to nurture a negative outlook for the present or future. Reality conveys the fact that all is not well, but at the same time realizes the sky is not falling.

Wise council tells you to take one day at a time and listen to diverse opinions.

The objective is clarity of faith to trust God’s purpose when it’s unclear what tomorrow may bring. Being accountable includes holding on to the measure of faith God has given you which permits you to express thanksgiving for his presence when facing uncertain situations. May God bless you and cause his face to shine on you.   

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“So do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” 

~Matthew 6:31-34 New International Version 

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What Are the Benefits of Being Accountable?

If your purpose is to let others know what you think and feel about any issue, it’s incredibly important to speak with clarity and conciseness. Everyone is subject to being misunderstood, which is often the cause for turmoil and conflict.

If being understood is your purpose, then speaking with clarity is a necessity. The majority of people desire peace and harmony rather than stress and conflict, yet a conversation can deviate into an argument over a simple misunderstanding. 

Perhaps you do not want to be accountable for prolonging a hurtful situation. Communicating with words of apology validates accountability.

Ask God for wisdom, guidance, and clarity as you prepare to be accountable. Proverbs 8:35 gives this encouragement: “Whoever finds wisdom finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” Accountability before the Lord and others makes way for a clear conscience.        

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Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. ~Hebrews 4:13 New International Version 

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