Vol. 6, No. 41 – October 17, 2021
Be Careful!
Joshua 1:8
This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. –Joshua 1:8
Jesus never taught people to make a living; He taught people how to live! God does not call us to be successful. That may be a surprise, but it is true. God calls us to be faithful. Most people have their eyes on wrong goals. Is the accumulation of more money, or a higher position, or more influence supposed to be your goal? Those are not true goals; they are by products of goals.
What then is a true goal? A true goal is found in our lead-in verse, Joshua 1:8. The principle is that we should work to become a person of the Word of God, not to be primarily a person that acquires and acquires.
The “reward” for work is more work!
For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. –Matthew 6:32-34.
We read in Joshua the importance of taking in God’s Word. God’s Word is a unique book; there is not another like it. When we read the Word of God it is God speaking to us. That in itself, is most important. What follows taking in God’s Word is that we can process everything, then, for thinking, speaking, and action of life through the filter of God’s Word, through His truth.
We think that we will be happy if we acquire money, position, or influence. Happiness is related to events (the root of happiness is happenings). Happiness does not last long. Its events are of varying duration. However, taking in God’s Word brings us joy. Joy is different from happiness; joy is part of God’s character, and He wants us to grow in His character.
Life Application
It only takes a small portion of the earth to hold the bones of a person. Basically, the size of a burial lot is the same over the world. God says that when we die as a believer, we go immediately to be with Him. The reward is eternal life for the believer.
We are not held back to gather our riches, trophies, awards, stocks, bonds, or jewelry. Our transport is immediate. The unbeliever is always concerned about their “stuff.” Also concerned about who is going to get it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? –Mark 8:36-37
Instead of us being focused on all that stuff, we ought to be a people focused on His Word, that changes us to be the person He always intended.
Do what God wants you to do, and He will take care of the rest.
