Special Tests for Special Purposes – Part 22

For Jesus gave some strong warnings against us being enticed by the world. To the Pharisees He said. Luke 16:15 ESV “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

Mentally I contrasted the endings of those five kings in the Old Testament with those of Jesus and His disciples. What is the key – I asked – to achieving enduring success? 1 Corinthians 7:25 KJV “I give my judgement, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.” I saw that to be faithful I must be totally dependent on the Lord’s mercy. I cannot rely on anything else: my academic background, my spiritual gifts, my past achievements and my years in Christian service. There is only one thing that can keep me faithful, the mercy of God.

So, make it the central purpose of your life to be consciously and continually dependent on God’s mercy, be on guard against anything that would blur or dull your sense of dependence and be on watch for any form of pride, which is in essence, self-dependence. John 4:34 “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to complete His work.” For Jesus food is the source of His life and strength – was His single minded determination to do God’s will right through to the end of His life and that is the true success you and I must aim for.