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 23 of 26

IT IS BETTER TO TRUST

Throughout life we are faced with decisions. Choosing is part of living. There are professions and systems of thought that have been developed to assist people in making decisions. Purported specialists major on such areas as marriage, youth, seniors, various forms of addiction, etc. They aim to help people know what is "best" -- at least from their point of view.

In Christ Jesus, life takes on a completely different perspective. In the world, self-satisfaction is considered the main thing. In Jesus, pleasing the Lord is the primary objective. In the world relaxation and pleasure rank high. In the Son, diligence and the joy of the Lord are considered paramount. In the world, all that a person does centers in self: i.e., you are the main thing! Do what you want! Do what makes you happy!, etc. In Christ Jesus, "whatever" is done "in word of in deed" is done "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col 3:17).

Believers simply have a different reason for living. They know there are only two places: "here" and "there." They know there are only two times: "now" and "then." They perceive the aim of life as getting from "here" to "there," and "now" to "then" safely. In the end, if one goes to hell, it makes no difference whatsoever what he may or may not have accomplished during his lifetime. If, on the other hand, one hears the blessed pronouncement, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things" (Matt 25:21,23), it will make little difference what deprivations or supposed failures may have been experienced while "in the body."

With these things in mind, faith always counsels us in this manner. "It is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD than to put confidence in man. It is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD than to put confidence in princes" (Psa 118:8-9). The individual of sensitive heart will always consent to the truth of this counsel. This makes perfect sense to the "new heart" and "new spirit" (Ezek 36:26). It is always absurd to the "fleshly mind" and the "old man" (Col 2:18; Eph 4:22-24).

BETTER THAN PUTTING CONFIDENCE IN MAN. Notice how the Spirit contrasts trusting the Lord with putting "confidence in man." I will tell you it is not fashionable to speak in this manner, but it must be done. You will be tempted to put confidence in a doctor when you are ill. It is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD. It may appear sensible to put confidence in a psychiatrist or counselor when you are troubled. It is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD. When your finances are a source of concern, and you seem to be putting your wages into a bag with holes, it may seem reasonable to consult with a financial advisor. It is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD. When your heart desires to serve the Lord and labor in His Kingdom, you may be tempted to trust in academic credentials or fleshly talent. It is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD.

Do not take this as a criticism of the various human disciplines mentioned. The point is that it is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD. Putting confidence in man cannot be justified. However you interface with your peers, it is imperative that your trust be "in the Lord."

BETTER THAN PUTTING CONFIDENCE IN PRINCES. The princes of this world include governors, kings, presidents, and other forms of political power. To trust in them equates with relying upon their armies, their budgets, their analyses, and their influence. Especially in the Western quadrant of the world, believers can be tempted to trust in military strength and preparedness. They may suppose that religious freedom can only be accomplished through the political branch of society. It is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD. If we are tempted to imagine our prayers can only be answered through an aggressive Christian president, it is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD.

This does not mean we are against strong believers in the government. It DOES mean we refuse to trust in them! Abraham trusted the Lord when he was in Egypt. Isaac trusted the Lord in Gerar of the Philistines. Joseph trusted the Lord in Egypt. Daniel and the three Hebrew children trusted the Lord in Babylon. From every possible consideration, it is BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask that You cause my faith to increase and help my unbelief. I know it is better to trust in You, and I desire to do so consistently.

-- Tomorrow: A THOUSAND TIMES MORE --