The genetics of history continue to play a remarkable role in human groupings and responses. Primitive people found it necessary to band together for survival, and so do certain interest groups today. Ours is a self-serving society. We send our youth, if possible, to prestigious schools with the hope such an identity will automatically send them to the head of the class in the real world. We specialize in management training, not in servanthood.
In such a highly calibrated, competitive society, how are we to articulate, let alone emulate, the freedom, faith, and courage of Jesus? How are we to penetrate the tribal customs of the modern world with the gospel?
Knowing the difficulties involved in living, not only in the secular world, but also in the community of faith, Paul rose to great literary and spiritual heights in writing to the prosperous Philippians. Aware of their sin and personal problems, the noble Christian articulated a gentle rebuff by recapitulating the nature and mission of Christ:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:5–7).[1]
Having done everything right and just in life, we might expect the best job or the highest salary, the nicest house, or fanciest car. However, the reality is God does not always work this way. He works in a way which leaves us desiring Him, causing us to focus on Him, and allowing us to share Him with others through the way we live our lives. The Psalmist was experiencing a crisis as he looked at his life. He felt like he had done all the right things, lived a just life and he wanted God to keep the oppressors away from him. He wanted God to make sure he would be taken care of and he was having a hard time finding God’s salvation or deliverance from his problems as well as finding God’s promises.
Here’s the thing, God never promised anyone an easy road through life. He did however, say He would walk with us through life, He would love us, and teach us His ways. He would give us discernment or the ability to understand difficult things. This way we would be able to learn His Word and be able to live more productive lives as God’s servants.
It is understandable how frustrating it can be to look at the world around us and see all those who are disobeying God, seeming to get away with it, while we are called to obey or suffer the consequences. But let us never forget, God’s Word is more precious than all the gold in the world. His Word give us life, Everlasting Life, without His Word where would we find ourselves today. Paul writing to the Christians at Rome shares this very thought, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10.14-17, ESV).[2]
Stay the course, do not be discouraged by what others do. Know you are God’s servant and follow all God has shown you in His Word. Stay off the wrong path, and allow the Word of God to light your path each and every day.
Application
Dear Father, I am having a hard time with where I am in life. I thought I would be some where else right now. I thought I would be further along my planned path but still I am right here. I see others who have cheated and do or have done other things to get ahead that are not fair and they have been rewarded. Why? Lord I need Your help to be content where I am, to remember I am Your servant, serving You. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and let it light my path each and every day. Help me not to be discouraged when I see the evil in the world, but rejoice knowing You are God and I am here to shine Your light into the darkness. I thank You for the opportunity to do just that. In Your Son’s Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Our Father which art in Heaven, I come to You today asking for Wisdom and Discernment of Your Word. Lord, help me to know what I am reading and to be able to apply it to my life. Help me to understand Your Word so I may be able to share it with others. And through this wisdom and discernment others will come to know You as their Lord and Savior. Lord I realize I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me, He has been given to guide and direct as well as teach me all things. Help me to listen to Him and learn from Him and not to grieve Him. It is in Jesus Christ’s Name I pray, Amen.
Lord, help me to have the time, to set aside the time to spend in Your Word. This is the only way I will grow closer to You. I need to have a consistent devotional life and prayer life. Lord I need Your help to keep time free, to keep from being distracted by life so I may focus on Your Word and what it has to say for my life. I thank You for its precious morsels may I get, every bit You give to me to sustain me each and every day. I thank You and Praise You in Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen.
[1] Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (p. 355). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 10:14–17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 1:5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
In such a highly calibrated, competitive society, how are we to articulate, let alone emulate, the freedom, faith, and courage of Jesus? How are we to penetrate the tribal customs of the modern world with the gospel?
Knowing the difficulties involved in living, not only in the secular world, but also in the community of faith, Paul rose to great literary and spiritual heights in writing to the prosperous Philippians. Aware of their sin and personal problems, the noble Christian articulated a gentle rebuff by recapitulating the nature and mission of Christ:
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:5–7).[1]
Having done everything right and just in life, we might expect the best job or the highest salary, the nicest house, or fanciest car. However, the reality is God does not always work this way. He works in a way which leaves us desiring Him, causing us to focus on Him, and allowing us to share Him with others through the way we live our lives. The Psalmist was experiencing a crisis as he looked at his life. He felt like he had done all the right things, lived a just life and he wanted God to keep the oppressors away from him. He wanted God to make sure he would be taken care of and he was having a hard time finding God’s salvation or deliverance from his problems as well as finding God’s promises.
Here’s the thing, God never promised anyone an easy road through life. He did however, say He would walk with us through life, He would love us, and teach us His ways. He would give us discernment or the ability to understand difficult things. This way we would be able to learn His Word and be able to live more productive lives as God’s servants.
It is understandable how frustrating it can be to look at the world around us and see all those who are disobeying God, seeming to get away with it, while we are called to obey or suffer the consequences. But let us never forget, God’s Word is more precious than all the gold in the world. His Word give us life, Everlasting Life, without His Word where would we find ourselves today. Paul writing to the Christians at Rome shares this very thought, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10.14-17, ESV).[2]
Stay the course, do not be discouraged by what others do. Know you are God’s servant and follow all God has shown you in His Word. Stay off the wrong path, and allow the Word of God to light your path each and every day.
Application
- Have you been discouraged by what you see around you? Have you wondered why you are not someplace else or further along your path in life? Have you taken your concerns to God? Ask Him today where you should be and what you should be doing for Him. He is ready and willing to listen to you, are you ready to talk with Him?
Dear Father, I am having a hard time with where I am in life. I thought I would be some where else right now. I thought I would be further along my planned path but still I am right here. I see others who have cheated and do or have done other things to get ahead that are not fair and they have been rewarded. Why? Lord I need Your help to be content where I am, to remember I am Your servant, serving You. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and let it light my path each and every day. Help me not to be discouraged when I see the evil in the world, but rejoice knowing You are God and I am here to shine Your light into the darkness. I thank You for the opportunity to do just that. In Your Son’s Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
- Ask God today to give you the discernment to understand His Word. Discernment means, “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure or hidden.” The Apostle James writes, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him” (James 1.5, HCSB).[1]
Our Father which art in Heaven, I come to You today asking for Wisdom and Discernment of Your Word. Lord, help me to know what I am reading and to be able to apply it to my life. Help me to understand Your Word so I may be able to share it with others. And through this wisdom and discernment others will come to know You as their Lord and Savior. Lord I realize I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me, He has been given to guide and direct as well as teach me all things. Help me to listen to Him and learn from Him and not to grieve Him. It is in Jesus Christ’s Name I pray, Amen.
- How precious is God’s Word to you? When is the last time you read God’s Word? Commit today to making reading and studying God’s Word a part of your daily life. Commit to spending 15 minutes every day in the Word of God.
Lord, help me to have the time, to set aside the time to spend in Your Word. This is the only way I will grow closer to You. I need to have a consistent devotional life and prayer life. Lord I need Your help to keep time free, to keep from being distracted by life so I may focus on Your Word and what it has to say for my life. I thank You for its precious morsels may I get, every bit You give to me to sustain me each and every day. I thank You and Praise You in Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen.
[1] Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (p. 355). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 10:14–17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 1:5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.