Settling for less
Num. 32:5: "If we have found favor in your eyes," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as our possessions. Do not make us cross the Jordan" (NIV).
When Moses divided the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, the Reubenites and Gadites weren't satisfied with their inheritance and asked Moses if they could possess the area east of the Jordan River instead. He reluctantly agreed as long as they promised to help the other tribes conquer the land.
After honoring their agreement to fight with their brothers, they did not live with the other Israelite tribes but returned to their land outside the borders of the Promised Land. In fact, they were so far from Israel's place of worship, they had to build their own altar just to remind their children they were Israelites!
As Christians, we may live "inside the Land" in some areas of our lives, but choose to live "outside the Land" in others. What areas of your life are you reluctant to surrender to God? Do you hold onto actions, habits, and attitudes that are outside the borders of godly behavior and make it difficult for others to identify you as a Christian?
What areas of your life are you reluctant to surrender to God?
