4 Minute Read
Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Deuteronomy 9:5 (CSB): “You are not going to take possession of their land because of your righteousness or your integrity. Instead, the LORD your God will drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness, in order to fulfill the promise he swore to your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
In today’s verse, God made it abundantly clear that He would drive out the people of Canaan NOT because the Israelites were righteous but because the Canaanites were so wicked. In other words, God’s blessings upon the Israelites should not be taken as God’s pleasure with the Israelites.
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times!
“Preacher, I know I’m right with God because he has been answering my prayers.”
“I know I’m not perfect but I’m right with God because He’s been blessing me.”
In yesterday’s post, we observed that God promises to bless obedience. However, nowhere in Scripture are we told that God’s gracious blessings are a measure of our spiritual health. And yet so many Christians believe it to be so.
On what biblical basis can we say that God often blesses those not worthy of His blessings?
Matthew 5:44-45 (CSB): “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (emphasis mine)
Luke 6:35 (CSB): “But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil.” (emphasis mine)
Clearly, God’s gracious blessings cannot be a measure of spiritual health because these verses (and more!) tell us that God often sheds His grace on the evil, the unrighteous, and the ungrateful.
So, God’s blessings are never intended to let us know if we are right with Him. If we are obeying Him and have no ongoing, unconfessed sin, then whatever “good” happens to us just might be a reward from our Father upon our obedience. But if we are going through a time of disobedience to Him and tolerating sin in our life, then any “good” that happens to us is merely a demonstration of God’s grace that even evil people sometimes experience.
You might ask, “Well, what is a way I can measure my spiritual health?” I would encourage you to slowly and reflectively read through the book of 1 John. Look in those five chapters for the evidence of someone who is saved and right with the Lord. As you read it, ask God’s Holy Spirit to point out any area(s) that need your attention.
Spend Time in Prayer
- Ask God to help you see where you are not being fully obedient to Him.
- Ask the Lord for the humility and strength to repent and get back on the road of holy living.
Going Deeper
If you want to dig a little deeper into how to gain God’s favor, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:
“What is the favor of God, and how can I get it?”
Sharing
If this post has been helpful to you or if you think it could help others, please consider tapping one of the social media buttons below to share it on your favorite platform.
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)
Matt’s Musings 