Everyday Living
13
True Greatness
Not by their wealth, their education, or their position does God
estimate men. He estimates them by their purity of motive and their
beauty of character. He looks to see how much of His Spirit they
possess and how much of His likeness their life reveals. To be great
in God’s kingdom is to be as a little child in humility, in simplicity of
faith, and in purity of love.
“Ye know,” Christ said, “that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over
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them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it
be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall
be your minister.”
Matthew 20:25, 26
, A.R.V.
Of all the gifts that heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with
Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.
Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in
a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist,
who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf
of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
Philippians 1:29
.
Plans for the Future
Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is
unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often
fills them with anxiety and unrest. Let us remember that the life of
God’s children in this world is a pilgrim life. We have not wisdom
to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future. “By faith
Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should
after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing
whither he went.”
Hebrews 11:8
.
Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted
God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans.
[19]
So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple
outworking of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct
our steps.
Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure.
Let God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him
who will “keep the feet of His saints.”
1 Samuel 2:9
. God never leads