We make it our aim…to be well pleasing to Him. —2 Corinthians 5:9
“We make it our aim….” It requires a conscious decision and effort to keep our primary goal constantly in front of us. It means holding ourselves to the highest priority year in and year out; not making our first priority to win souls, or to establish churches, or to have revivals, but seeking only “to be well pleasing to Him.” It is not a lack of spiritual experience that leads to failure, but a lack of working to keep our eyes focused and on the right goal. At least once a week examine yourself before God to see if your life is measuring up to the standard He has for you. Paul was like a musician who gives no thought to audience approval, if he can only catch a look of approval from his Conductor.
Any goal we have that diverts us even to the slightest degree from the central goal of being “approved to God” (2 Timothy 2:15) may result in our rejection from further service for Him. When you discern where the goal leads, you will understand why it is so necessary to keep “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Paul spoke of the importance of controlling his own body so that it would not take him in the wrong direction. He said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest…I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
I must learn to relate everything to the primary goal, maintaining it without interruption. My worth to God publicly is measured by what I really am in my private life. Is my primary goal in life to please Him and to be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how lofty it may sound?
______________________________________________________________
Journal DJR
Good Morning Lord, I dont think Oswald Chambers meant to deliver a guilt trip to his readers, but that can be the result of this selection, especially if we have a background of performance, judgement, and striving … and never measuring up. The song was selected to bring the counterpoint. I see the scriptures mentioned by Chambers, and they were certainly included in The Book for a reason. But I also see the scriptures that the song draws from that speak to a different side of Jesus. A kinder, more loving side. I’ve not had much success in striving and self inventories and judging myself. I always fall short and give up after a time.
It all depends on how you see me and how you see the Goal. Believe the words of the song, I am more than you think I am. You see both a God of judgement and a God of Love in scripture. They are both parts of me … but which will you focus on? And which over rides in a seeming conflict? I AM Love. Love overrides. Mercy triumphs over judgement James 2:13 But Mercy does not triumph over justice. They are joined together.
Psalm 85:10 (NLT) 10 Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!
You’ve heard the story of the tourist in Israel observing shepherds leading their sheep. But one was driving the sheep. He asked why that shepherd was driving the sheep. It was explained, the one driving the sheep was not a shepherd, he was the butcher. I am the good shepherd. I lead my sheep. I lay down my life for my sheep. I am not the butcher. I dont drive sheep. Look into your motives and discern my leading. I will lead you, not drive you. If you are feeling driven, Stop. Something is not right. It may even be the “right thing for the wrong reason.” The goals may seem similar. Good works and Christlikeness are admirable. But guilt management and striving won’t get you there. I will lead you to those goals as you connect with me. Dont let the butcher drive you.
Click Image for John White's Original Vision For CO2's
