Here is another important Truth to remember as we determine to fulfill the calling of God on our lives! Psalm 49:5-13:
5 Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of those who would supplant me surrounds me on every side, 6 Even of those who trust in and lean on their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? 7 None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him-- 8 For the ransom of a life is too costly, and [the price one can pay] can never suffice-- 9 So that he should live on forever and never see the pit (the grave) and corruption. 10 For he sees that even wise men die; the [self-confident] fool and the stupid alike perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. 12 But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who are foolishly confident, yet after them men approve their sayings. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
There is a saying that has been popular for many years on signs, bookmarks, pictures, mugs and other items. It was lifted from a poem that speaks of pleasing the Lord in this life. Taken by itself, though, it is NOT a Truth:
"Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last."
This SOUNDS really nice and "spiritual", but it is NOT! The problem with this "saying" is that it makes it sound like striving to do things "for Christ" is the key. Jesus did NOT ask us to do something FOR Him! He said to go forth and preach the Gospel, doing what HE did, in His Name and in His place! He does not NEED us to do anything FOR Him! HE has already done it all! He has given US the opportunity to be rewarded in Heaven for our OBEDIENCE! That's right, O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E! 1 Samuel 15:22 says this:
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Simple obedience to the general instructions found in the Word of God and to the specific instruction given to us individually by the Holy Spirit Who lives IN us is ALL that is required of a born again believer! So, if you have struggled with this in the past, stop being intimidated by those who would try to get you to fulfill THEIR agenda and dare to believe that YOU can hear and obey God for YOURSELF! AMEN!!! Now simply obey and KNOW that you are pleasing HIM! Here is Hillsong Kids with "Trust and Obey":
Shalom in Him!
