Thought for the Day

A wise man's reproof to one who heeds it is likened to a costly earring, and he will regard it as precious gold. If a young scientist were to begin a line of experimentation to prove a theory, he would consider any correction to his work from an established scientist invaluable. The wise among God's children value the corrections of other saints, knowing that heeding their reproofs will make their character more Christ-like. Most precious of all are the Holy Spirit's corrections, Who alone brings to light hidden sin. God's reproof frees us from death and leads us to abundant life and fellowship with Him.

Obedience is a necessary element of wisdom and faith. Faith, without works produced by obedience, is dead (James 2:17-18). The works spoken of here are inspired and empowered by God; the result of walking with Him in faith and obedience. When we obey God, we do the works of the Spirit, which alone are acceptable to Him. We can do many good works that do not please God. Teaching a children's Sunday school class is a good work, but not if God is telling us to teach the adult class instead. We must beware of expecting God to accept our way of doing things, as Cain and Abel's story in Genesis 4 shows. When each brought an offering to God, God accepted Abel's but rejected Cain's. Abel came to God God's way, offering a blood sacrifice in faith and obedience (Hebrews 11:4). Rebellion was in Cain's heart. He did not do what God required but came to God in his own way, bringing an offering he thought should be accepted.

Many see no answers to their prayers because they refuse to obey when the Lord speaks to them. The Lord does not always require it of us, but we must be willing to be used by God to answer every prayer we pray. If we ask God to meet someone's financial needs, we must be willing to be the one through whom He does so. If we ask God to provide someone with a place to stay, we must be ready to open our house. Whatever our request, if God can provide it through us, we must be willing to let Him do so. We must determine to follow God regardless of the cost, and obey even if our flesh resists His ways.

Our own efforts produce only the futile works of the flesh. Praying long hours, fasting, and sacrificing in many ways is vain if we do not obey. "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. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Disobedience is rebellion and rebellion is the same as witchcraft so that is why we must obey. God's ways are higher than our ways. Our precious Lord would never ask us to do anything that would not bless us, though the blessing may not immediately be seen. If we hold fast and continue to obey Him, we will discover that His plans for us are more fulfilling, exciting, and beautiful than anything we could imagine.