Concerning the eternal rest that awaits the faithful, Hebrews 4:11 says, “Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.” The writer referred to the Israelites, who failed to enter the promised land after their trek through the wilderness. Through the power of God, they had been released from Egypt. By the same power, they had crossed the wilderness and arrived safely at the border of Canaan. But they feared the Canaanites and decided to rebel against God by returning to Egypt (Num. 13:32-14:4). Because of their disobedience, or lack of faith, they were not allowed to enter the promised land.
The writer of Hebrews warns against this kind of disobedience in Christians. Many opportunities for faithfulness appear before us every day. The temptation is not in the opportunity but in the desire of our flesh to ignore it. According to Galatians 5:17, our flesh is constantly warring against the things God would have us do. The fleshly side of ourselves wants to rule our lives, but God demands that position instead. Every Christian is fighting the battle between the desires of their flesh and the commands of God.
The battle is not a sin. That we struggle is acceptable in the sight of God. Only when we allow our flesh to rule our lives, do we become disobedient to God. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, our continued disobedience bars the way to the rest God promised. Do not allow your fleshly concerns and desires to rule your life! Follow God even when the path forward is fraught with danger. Live in faith and enter God’s rest when you are released by death.