The Danger Of Over-Familiarity.

“Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” And so they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, and among his relatives, and in his own house.” He was not able to do a miracle there, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” Mark. 6:3-5. 

There is this story about this renowned Welder in a community. He is known for a thorough job and timely delivery, no doubt about the best in that community. Moreover, the Welder too was so used to his job and the accolades that came from his expanding clientele base that he got carried away. He had so soon forgotten that he handles 480 volts of electricity daily. Over time, he stops respecting the risk because it is "normal." One day, ignoring a small breach in the cable, the electricity runs through his wet body. He passed out. He didn't pass out because he was ignorant, the accident wasn't caused by the devil, the accident wasn't caused by malfunction in any of his gadgets. The culprit is Familiarity. Familiarity with the routine resulted in neglecting the danger, leading to a catastrophic accident. When we become too accustomed to the "things of God," we stop showing reverence and respect, leading to spiritual apathy or falling into traps. You must recognize that familiarity is not about distance, but about a loss of value. Actively choose to honour leaders, mentors, and spouses regardless of how well you know their human weaknesses. Avoid the pride that comes from feeling you have "arrived" or know more than your leaders.

Jesus went to his hometown, but could only perform a few miracles because of the residents' familiarity with him. They could not see beyond his human upbringing to his divine power. Their assumption that they knew him hindered them from receiving from him. Familiarity causes us to overlook the anointing on a leader or the power in a message, reducing spiritual treasures to mere mundane words. For a moment, I want you to imagine this scenario: Imagine a priceless, original painting hanging in a house for fifty years. It may pass for being old, but it doesn't reduce the value of the painting if well kept and preserved under ideal condition. The inhabitants of such a house can become so used and accustomed to it that they treat it as wallpaper, ignoring its beauty and value. But when a stranger visits, they are stunned by the beauty of the masterpiece. We often treat long-term relationships like with our spouses, pastors, friends like that painting. We become blind to their value, resulting in taking them for granted.

When David danced before the Ark, he was honouring God, but his wife Michal felt only contempt for him because she was used to him and too familiar with him. She saw him as her careless, misguided and foolish husband, not as a king worshiping the Almighty. By this careless act of familiarity, she  lost her privilege of being able to give birth to a prince for the King. Familiarity causes us to criticize instead of celebrating, and to treat holy things with ordinary disdain. Be friendly but not overly familiar, especially with authority figures. Watch your words, do not gossip about, belittle, or mock those in spiritual authority over you, even if they make mistakes. Actively listen to counsel. Do not dismiss advice from those you know well simply because you are comfortable with them. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the "wonder" of God’s Word and presence again, so that spiritual activities do not become routine. Treat sacred things (scripture, prayer, church services, your pastor’s instructions) with holy fear rather than casual informality.

FURTHER READING:

“As the ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked out the window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him.” 2 Sam. 6:16.

“And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.” Isa. 29:13.

DECLARATION:

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that familiarity has dulled my sense of honour and reverence. I repent for the sin of familiarity and for any contempt I have shown towards Your Word, Your house, Your servants, or holy things. Lord, I apologize for taking Your mercies for granted. I ask for Your forgiveness. I tear down every altar of familiarity in my heart, I receive the grace, wisdom and the courage to live accurately according to your words and teachings in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Chron. 24:1-31.

1 Chron. 25:1-31.

1 Chron. 26:1-32.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Familiarity Is A 'Spirit' That Makes People Despise The Grace They Should Honour. Inside The Man You Know There's A Grace You Don't Know."