The third aspect of entering the rest of God has to do with our attitude.

There is a Greek term that can be translated unbelief, disobedience, or rebellion. Sometimes the translators choose unbelief and sometimes disobedience.

As we think about the Jews that died in the wilderness, for this is the subject of Hebrews, Chapter Three and Four, we see that their problem had to do with unbelief, disobedience, stubbornness, and rebellion. It was their attitude that provoked God's anger. They obeyed Him most of the time, it appears, but they did so with an attitude of grumbling, complaining, unbelief, stubbornness, and rebellion which led at times to some acts of disobedience.

How like us Christians!

God insists that you maintain a happy, cheerful, confident attitude. I know! I know! Right now you may be going through a terrible crisis. I have been there. "Through many dangers, toils, and snares we have already come. Grace has kept us safe thus far and grace will lead us home." Amazing! I didn't compose those words but a true Christian did many years ago.

You see, the saints of old have walked the path I have set forth for you. It is our day, our generation that is ignorant of God and Christ. We have an easy, compromising, ear-tickling, sloppy grace that we think is keeping us ready for the unscriptural "pre-tribulation rapture."

God is calling us back to the old ways. "Walk in them," God commands, "and you will find rest for your soul."

Will you pray with me?

"Yes Lord, we will walk in them. We will not grumble and complain like Israel of old. We will not be disobedient, obstinate, or rebellious. We choose to labor to enter the rest of God. We believe you. You have delivered us in the past and in Your total faithfulness you will continue to deliver us in the present and future.

"We recognize that the works were finished from the foundation of the world and we do not have to create our own heaven or earth.

"We want to enter the Sabbath rest where we are living like our Lord Jesus, not seeking our own pleasure, speaking our own words, walking in our own paths, but living by the very Life of Christ as He is formed in us.

"As far as lies in us we will keep a cheerful, confident, uncomplaining attitude. We need Your help in doing this.

"We know You have set before us eternal joyùwonderful relationships, things, and circumstances that have not entered our mind to even imagine.

"Now help us as we press faithfully and resolutely toward the mark you have set before us that we may not come short in any area whatever.

"In Jesus' name, amen."

Amen and amen.