SEEKING BETTER THINGS

"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. . . . But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6)

Devotion 7 of 26

REQUIRED FOR PROGRESS

Progress in the faith requires participation in "better things." These things are not optional. They are necessary to be pleasing to God. The truth of the matter is this: no one can please God that is not growing in grace and truth. That is why we are admonished, "But GROW in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18). And again, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may GROW thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1 Pet 2:20-3). And again, "But speaking the truth in love, may GROW up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ" (Eph 4:15).

The opposite of growth is "drawing back," and God has gone on record concerning His reaction to those who are caught in that backward motion. "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Heb 10:38). No amount of theological prattling can negate those words, or offer the slightest hope to those who choose to draw back from God.

Furthermore, no one can grow in grace and truth apart from involvement with things that are "better." A "great salvation" cannot be advanced by small and inferior means. Such things do not promote aggressiveness and consistency, requirements for finishing the race set before us. The length of the journey, the obstacles between here and glory, and the aggressiveness of our adversary require superior resources! God is greatly to be praised for provided what we need. These are the "better things" of which we speak. Woe to that person who does not avail himself of those resources!

Our choice has nothing to do with the nature of the things chosen. The realities of which we speak are not better because they are chosen, or because they may be popular or desired. They are "better" because they have come from God, and thus are inherently superior over everything that competes with them. Those who neglect salvation have neglected the "best" in preference for the worst. They have forfeited what is stronger in order to keep the weaker. This may not seem to be the case to them, but nevertheless, that is the way it is.

Throughout the religious world choices like this are being made. They are made every time a gathering of the saints is forfeited in preference of pleasure, entertainment, or some lesser matter. The worst is chosen when serving the Lord is abandoned in deference to a job, a family, or supposed friends. Those who make such choices CANNOT grow in grace and truth. Their preference of the weaker confines them to the realm of weakness. Their choice of the inferior makes them inferior. There are no exceptions to these things.

Contrariwise, those who choose God's "better things" have refused the worst. It makes no difference what the ungodly may think about the matter. When an individual appropriates the best, their choice impacts directly upon them. They are made better by choosing the best. They are made stronger by choosing the strongest.

"Better things" are one of the means appointed by God to make us "better." Those who choose them will find this to be the case. And again, there are no exceptions.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name I thank You for providing a means to grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

-- Tomorrow: SPIRITUAL RATIONALE --