THIS ONE THING or
THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE MINDSET

" . . . Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus . . ." (Philippians 3:7-16)

Devotion 12 of 13

GOD WILL REVEAL IT TO YOU!

" . . . and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you" (KJV).

Without doubt, this is one of the most marvelous promises pertaining to life and godliness. Admittedly, it contradicts much historical and contemporary theologies, but that is its strength. The personal aspect of salvation may be seen in this text, as well as its dependability and certainty. The NIV reads, "And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." "Anything," or "some point," in this case, means any view of life that conflicts with the frame of mind described in verses 10-14. It would involve not considering everything loss, not counting them dung, or not pressing toward the mark. Perhaps the individual does not see there is infinitely more to be had than what they possess, or that Christ can be more fully known. In other words, spiritual maturity is lacking.

In this expression the Spirit acknowledges there are stages of spiritual life in which a sort of fog hangs over the soul. The condition, while not ideal, is not a hopeless one. Salvation graciously addresses the matter of spiritual infancy and lack of maturity.

Notice the manner of the text. The Spirit does NOT say "If in anything anyone is mature." Rather, the condition is "IF in anything" anyone thinks differently. Spiritual immaturity is thus viewed as the exception, and not the rule. Looking at the contemporary church, one would think spiritual juvenileness is the standard and spiritual maturity the exception. But that is not the case at all. A mode of thinking that is not like that expressed in 3:10-14 is variant and unacceptable in every way. Those so described are "otherwise minded," thinking differently than the Kingdom standard or norm.

Faith, however small it may be, puts us within the circumference of Divine influence! Knowing this, the Apostle has great confidence in what will happen. Those who do not yet see the real objective of life have this promise, "God shall reveal even this unto you." Those who deny God reveals things to people can derive no comfort from this promise. Paul does not say he would make the matter known to the struggling believer, but that God Himself would. The Lord would clarify the matter for them. This is the same procedure Paul mentioned to the Ephesians. "But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus" (Eph 4:20-21).

Paul had confidence in this Divine provision, and often expressed the same to the churches (2 Cor 2:3; 7:16; Gal 5:10; 2 Thess 3:4; Phile 21). He knew a person living by faith, no matter how young and immature, will be directed by the Lord. Even though their spiritual lives may appear erratic and inconsistent, yet in those loftier times, when their spirits are wafted into the heavenlies, remarkable insights can be bestowed upon them. How we must learn to count on this--to believe God reveals the truth of what we teach to young and unstable souls. Our gatherings must be tailored for this to happen, providing spiritual heights and perspectives within which the Lord can work. Is not this a marvelous promise? "God will make [it] clear to you." Every child of God can rest his soul on that promise, believing it will come to pass.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise You through the Lord Jesus Christ for providing a salvation in which You Yourself work with us.

-- Tomorrow: LIVING UP TO WHAT WE HAVE --