Dare To Be Different
“See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
You catch yourself asking, “Why does my family always have to struggle while others have it easy?” “Why do we carry burdens no one else seems to shoulder?” If you are not careful, that question can sprout a bitter root, and bitterness never stays personal; it spreads, it stains, it infects every conversation in your home.
Korah let that root mature. Each time Moses came up in conversation, he rolled his eyes, muttered criticism, gathered friends who loved to mock leaders and despise authority. His sons watched the slow transformation, watched home turn tense, watched joy disappear. Your children watch you too. They learn more from the tone of your voice than from the words of your prayers.
Scripture warns that a companion of fools will be destroyed. Korah chose fools for friends, Abiram and Dathan cheered his offense, and soon two hundred fifty respected leaders were echoing the same complaint. Offense is contagious. Sit long enough with mockers and their attitude will jump to you.
Moses responded by falling on his face. “Is it a small thing,” he asked, “that God invited you close, trusted you with holy things, and placed you in ministry?” Bitterness shrinks big miracles until they feel ordinary. It turns privilege into drudgery, and it convinces you that Egypt was better than freedom. Pause and remember how far the Lord has brought you.
Gratitude chokes bitterness at the root.
When judgment came, Moses cried, “Separate yourselves.” In that moment, Korah’s sons faced a gut-wrenching choice. Loyalty to a bitter father or loyalty to a holy God. They stepped back, tears likely streaming, and the ground swallowed the rebellion while they stood safe on higher ground. Later, those same sons wrote psalms that still lead the church in worship. One courageous separation redeemed an entire family line.
You may love people who live offended, who belittle the church, who despise spiritual authority. Love them, pray for them, but do not follow them. Draw a line for your household. Refuse the endless gossip. Refuse the casual contempt. Choose gratitude, choose worship, and choose the narrow road that keeps your heart tender. Today, examine your spirit. Uproot every grudging thought before it grows into complaint. Ask the Spirit to make your home a place of honor and praise. Your decision can protect your children and rename your family for generations. Pray this prayer: “Father, expose any root of bitterness in me. I surrender my attitude, my words, and my relationships to You. Let gratitude fill my mouth and honor guide my steps. Keep my family close to Your presence and far from offense. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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