Robert Robinson’s hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” has this stanza: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it—prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for thy courts above.” After penning these words, Robinson wandered away from God, leaving him lonely and deeply stressed. But years later, he was reminded of his own words by a fellow traveler. His own phrase, “Prone to wander,” jolted him into repentance. He turned his heart back to God and walked with him until he died. King Solomon knew pride and disobedience can result in God’s discipline and judgment. So in his prayer dedicating the Temple (found in 2 Chronicles 6), he begs God that when his people are in exile because of pride and disobedience, if they humbled themselves, turned from their disobedience, God would forgive them and show them mercy. He believes God will listen and rescue them based on God’s love and commitment to his promise. That same principle is at work today. Pride and disobedience to God can bring His discipline or judgment. But humility, repentance and faith in God’s Son Jesus is the way back into His favor.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
