March 20

Following Our Ancient Mentors

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.  ––James 1:25

Being God’s man will never be easy, but those who have passed the test did so because they successfully overcame the opinions of others, successfully fought their own feelings and weaknesses of character, and successfully contended with spiritual opposition.

Abraham of the Old Testament was God’s man. God said, “Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws” (Genesis 26:5). Caleb, one of the spies sent by Moses to survey the land of Canaan, voiced the minority opinion that the Hebrews could conquer the Promised Land. He became God’s man when he expressed faith in God’s promises.

King Asa of Judah had the spiritual stomach since Solomon’s early years: He fully obeyed God’s command to eliminate false gods among his people. The apostle Paul commended the Roman believers and said, “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted” (Romans 6:17). And most of all, of course, the complete obedience of Jesus paved the way for our salvation.

When others back off, the obedient press forward through the gate. When obstacles scare others away, the obedient look for a promise and stand on it. When others question God’s word, the obedient risk taking God at his Word and leave the results to Him.

A biblical understanding of gratefulness is our accelerator. This involves an “attitude of gratitude,” the total appreciation and acknowledgement of what has been given to us as His children. For sure, His promises for the future are the slingshot for obedience.

Father, thank You for the mind of Christ, Your gifts of the Spirit and your armor, the best offense and defense possible. May I train to use them well.