14 The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied with his.
15 The naive believes everything,
But the sensible man considers his steps.
16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
But a fool is arrogant and careless.
17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
And a man of evil devices is hated.
18 The naive inherit foolishness,
But the sensible are crowned with knowledge. (Proverbs 14:14-18 NASB95)
A few weeks ago I used the term entropy in a sermon to discuss a choice that we all must make in our walk of faith. I explained that entropy is a physics term that describes the regression of matter and energy toward disorder.[1] Over the course of time, both matter and energy trend toward disorder unless acted upon by a higher authority. I made this comparison to comment on the trend that is found in our fallen state as humanity. We can trend toward disorder if the sin nature is left unchecked. We as people who are free to function according to our sin nature will regress, perpetually toward disorder, chaos and sin. Progressively do we regress toward greater calamity. It is therefore vital that we press into God as the only source of immutable truth, order and encouragement. Faith in God will always build us up and establish us upon a firm foundation (Matt 7:24-26).
In the verses I quoted from the book of Proverbs, Solomon is talking about this natural trend toward disorder in humanity as we struggle against the influence of temptation and sin. Solomon makes a stark comparison between one who strives to seek God and one who allows entropy or the regression to be a predominant influence in their lives. Solomon speaks of the backslider in heart and the one who is naïve. The backslider in heart is one who should know better, yet they allow themselves to fall prey to regression and conformity with this world. The naïve is one who believes everything but takes no firm position on anything. In both cases they will be given the fill of themselves. Regression toward chaos in the exaltation of the self as the self becomes the source of personal authority. Entropy and disorder is received because the immutability of God’s Word is rejected. Foolishness and carelessness characterize those who fall victim to progressive regression.
Sin is regression. Sin is conformity. Sin is a passive choice. It is without effort that we allow ourselves to fall victim to sin because a natural trend in the fallen state of our nature as humanity resonates with sinfulness. Entropy, regression and falling away from the things of God are easy. It takes not effort to regress. Nothing is added, improved or enhanced in regression. There is only loss. Progressive regression is passive gravitation toward conformity. Regression toward conformity with a world that is choosing to run toward darkness, unreservedly. Progressive regression is conformity with the sin nature. Conformity with sin comes easily for those who reject the truth of God’s Word.
On the other hand, those who strive to seek God will walk with caution and turn from evil. They will be equipped with knowledge and determination to stand firmly planted upon the Word of truth. God will build up. He will impart to us discernment and knowledge leading us to be able to stand firmly on a foundation that will not be shaken. Those who choose to walk in faith with God will be in covenant with a King who has overcome.
Matter naturally regresses into chaos without the intervention of a higher authority. As matter regresses, so too can we (metaphorically) regress if we are not pressing into God. If we reject seeking out His righteousness, we can trend toward disorder. Faith is not a passive choice. To choose faith requires an active, determined choice to cling to the truth of His Word. Faith is then a choice that we must make. Faith is not found in passivity or conformity to the culture. Faith is not the product of progressive regression toward disorder. Faith is deliverance from chaos. Our Savior delivers us from sin. Therefore, I pray that you choose faith. I pray that you choose to be a disciple of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that you allow Him to equip you to actively follow your Messiah as He leads you according to His will. This is not passive, rather it is a faith that is alive and thriving. To God be the glory!
[1] “Entropy,” Merriam-Webster Incorporated, 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entropy. Accessed on May 8, 2023.
Corby Shuey 