Why aren’t we more careful and mindful about pride? If pride leads to disgrace, as it does (Proverbs 11:2), then true humility ought to be top of mind.
The challenge for me is not knowing what to do; it’s doing it. I’m focused on trying to understand how to properly and consistently fear God. For I’m convinced of the importance of right living.
I’ve got a lot to learn. Thankfully, I’ve got a few good friends here in Lynchburg, Virginia, who aren't shy about telling me the truth. We remind each other not to rely on our own feeble strength. We are a needy lot. Our wages and our daily food are from our Father above.
We know that we must constantly reject selfish ambition and the world’s priorities. Just think of the impact of having kindness as the number one objective for the day. A lot of good will flow from having God's priorities at the top of our to-do lists.
We don’t need a reward today. We don’t need an ‘atta boy’ - as much as we love them. We know God loves us. “For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth” (Psalm 103:11).
God loves us beyond measure. And God wants obedience. Not showy obedience, just honest faithfulness. Do the right thing, say the right thing, and make the effort because of who Jesus is and what He’s done for us. Right living is its own reward. And, by the way, the rewards that matter come later. That's something to look forward to!
So that’s it for today. As I prepare to travel north to SK and AB, I’m encouraged by God’s Word, and I hope you are too.
God never tempts us to sin (James 1:13-15). But He does test our character. And we are more than able to listen to His voice, keep His commands, and do what pleases Him (Deuteronomy 13:3 and 18). Like Jeremiah, encourage those in your company today to depend on God, search for God, wait quietly, turn the other cheek to injustice and personal insults (leave them to God), submit to God’s discipline, refrain from complaint, and rely on God’s compassion (Lamentations 3).
Yes, it’s a slog. Like a Saskatchewan winter, God’s values talk easy, but live hard. It is one thing to know God’s standards; yet it’s another to follow them in our lives and in the way we operate our businesses. But through His strength, we can lead well today. And we shall.
Gents, let’s search for good today. The seeds of your words and deeds will grow beyond our wildest dreams when planted in God’s love. Thank you, Jesus, for everything. Amen.
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