23/05/2019 - UNPRODUCTIVE CONFIDENCE

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Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so. Philippians 3:4

The apostle Paul speaks of his birth, learning period and his occupation in Judaism, which could be of great influence among his people. However, he considered it all useless to gain the excellence of the knowledge of Christ (v.8). The Pauline decision teaches us that we do not have to mention any factor to promote ourselves, for this is irrelevant in the Gospel. In Christ, we are new creatures with equal rights and a specific mission, which God gives us because He loves us.

When saying that God chooses the foolish things of this world to put to shame the wise 1 Corinthians 1:27), Paul reminds us that our choice was not for what we are or what we have done, but for the mercy of the Lord. Therefore, regardless of where we are placed, we should serve Him, keeping in mind that He has loved us in such a way that He has given us salvation for us to act as redeemed. At the same time, we need to praise Him for giving us such an opportunity.

Never trust in your studies, in your preparation or physical fitness, or in any other factor, for nothing has any weight in the balance for the Most High to choose you. On the contrary, the weakest one is often chosen to do His work. The gaze of God sees way beyond that of man  (1 Corinthians 2:14). That is why you and I are serving Him as it pleases Him. Never forget this, for if you become puffed up, you will be defeated.

When the prophets became arrogant, God took one of the inhabitants of Gilead to rebuke the king. He did not choose Eliab, who caught Samuel´s attention (1 Samuel 16: 6,7), but David, whom the Lord had prepared for that moment. The Most High foresees the problems and knows who will not do the work for himself, but will seek His help and honor Him in public However, the chosen must remain humble.

When Saul became arrogant, he became vile. In the same way, God’s servants must never let vanity and sin to take hold of their heart. As with the son of Kish, it will happen to those who have the power to decide, for this is a divine prerogative. Do not yield to the devil, but establish yourself in the example of Jesus and serve the Lord with love and fear.

If you come from Judaism, or from a family of preachers, do not leave your position as a child of God or be carried away for any reason other than by divine mercy. Even if you are being greatly used in the work, it is heavenly kindness that must weigh within your heart. Then you will please the Father who has called you to serve Him at this hour. 

The truth is that neither the flesh nor what we have done for the Father will serve so that our descendants may boast in the future for having been chosen for our sake. The only thing that brings the Lord to call someone is a plan that He has, of which we know nothing. Our decision is right when we stand beside Him, and we must not give up on it. God is good!

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares