Scripture: Ecclesiastes
12:13c-14
and
keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For
God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is
good or evil.
Insights: This week’s final thought is the conclusion
of Solomon’s devotion found in the proper perspective. In other words, we fear God. Out of our love and fear of the Lord, we obey
Him. Because we obey Him, then our
judgment reveals the good He has done within us and it brings Him glory. I have a pastor friend named Jim Harris. Earlier this week he posted the following
thoughts. If he had done it before
Sunday, I would have used them in my evening service. Considering he did not, I will post them here
for you now. I think his words wrap up
this line of reasoning really well.
Enjoy: “The proof of desire is
pursuit. What I am chasing in life reveals what I am interested in and have
passion for. If I say I am a Christian and want God's will in my life yet I
consistently use Sundays as a day for going to the beach, fishing, sleeping in,
or some other personal hobby...I am being dishonest with myself and God. I will
pursue what I love. I will pursue what brings me personal pleasure, fulfillment, and joy. If I say I love the Lord and
want his will in my life, yet the only reading I do is Sports Illustrated or
the NY Stock Exchange section and never pick up my Bible to discover the
character of God, I am being dishonest with myself and God. If I say my passion
is to be an Olympic swimmer yet I am in the pool one day a month, I am lying
myself. If a man tells his wife he loves her yet is carrying on an affair, he
is being dishonest with himself and his wife. What one says is useless unless
what one does supports the claim. What do you pursue in life? I mean what do
you chase hard after? What do you spend time and money tracking down? In what
do you invest sweat equity and energy? What do you think brings you the highest
level of happiness and fulfillment? The answer(s) to these questions pinpoint
what I truly worship. I am convinced God deserves and has earned our worship by
who He is and what He has invested in our redemption. He pursued us! He
invested time, energy, and great passion to reveal his great love for the human
species. He truly pursued what he loved! He desired us. The proof of desire is
pursuit.” Thank you Jim for your
excellent words regarding our obedience and our heart’s devotion.
Questions:
- Would
you say your life is characterized as being obedient to the Lord?
- If
not, why not?
Prayer: Father, my life
of obedience brings You glory. May I
indeed bring You the glory You rightfully deserve. Amen.
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