“There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.”

— Hosea 4:1

Teenagers will often verify that they “know.”• “Aiden, you need to be home by 11:00.” “I know.”• “Sophia, you can’t wear that skirt.” “I know.”• “Jack, that room of yours is a disaster.” “I know.”In situations like these, the facts are not in question. Both the parents and teens “know.” But like many teenagers, we don’t always act on the basis of the facts we know.God’s people had the same problem. Though they “knew,” they did not “acknowledge.” As Hosea pointed out, the people didn’t acknowledge God. They didn’t pay attention to God’s law—his guidelines for daily living in community. Instead, they mistreated each other in all kinds of ways.The people did know that God is loving and just, but they ignored that truth. They did know that following God’s law was the right way to live, but they ignored that truth as well. The results of all this were devastating. God said he would reject his people since they did not acknowledge him.The same process can occur today. Do you “know” that the just and powerful God of the universe sees you? Of course. Do you “know” that following God’s direction is the only way to live in peace with God and neighbors? Of course.If any of us is pretending that we don’t need God or his law in some part of our life, we need to stop and acknowledge the truth.

God, we know that you are faithful, just, and loving. Help us to acknowledge these great truths in our lives today. Amen.