A Trustful Heart and Submissive Will for God

"It is an undoubted truth that every doctrine that comes from God, leads to God; and that which doth not tend to promote holiness is not of God."  - George Whitefield

It is no surprise that Scripture teaches the greatest possession we can acquire is not obtained through advanced degrees displayed on the wall, or by our actions and effort. Actually, it really isn't complicated, at all. We secure it by the trustful heart and a faithful and submissive will.

We see this clearly in John 7:17 (NLT). Not anywhere is this powerful spiritual lesson more clearly and effectively communicated than in this passage. Jesus was an enigma to the Jews. They had great doubts about him. He said that He came from heaven and was the Son of God (John 3:17).

However, they were familiar with his background (i.e., where he was born, his family background, his occupation, and lack of education). Still, he spoke with authority, wisdom, refinement, and performed many wonderful works.

Yet, Jesus didn't match up with the Messiah whom the Jews expected. This was what confronted Jesus and confounded the Jews. Let's review the passage before moving along. The verse reads: "Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own" (NLT).

The big, stumbling block for the Jews was Christ's doctrine; specifically the source. They knew about his circumstances, which made it hard for them to digest what he was talking about. The doctrine of which he spoke wasn't his; he even told them so. They just couldn't understand it.

We are not immune to this kind of thinking today. Many are confused by religion, especially those who lack the experience and learning;  this not only being restricted to one subject. Such was the case with the Jews. There were various points which they had difficulty in understanding.

We know how this is. Some say one thing, and some another. Who's to say what is true or not? There are individuals who, turning to the Bible, take the same exact words. and one says they mean this, and another that. How is the average person supposed to know what is correct, or not?

The answer lies in Our Lord's own words as stated in John 7:17 (NLT). If anyone, no matter how ordinary and uneducated, has his heart set upon God and truly aspires to serve Him, that person will not be left to wallow in darkness.

The things that seem murky will gradually manifest themselves, doubts and difficulties will clear up. More importantly the Gospel will be perceived to have come from God, Jesus Christ in His person and works will be more obvious, and the mind more comfortable with the truth.

Yes, there will still be some difficulties and points of debate, but the main points will be evident, the way of salvation exposed, and he who sincerely seeks after the truth will not be left clueless as to how he is to follow and please God.

Scripture: Matthew 16:24; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; Micah 6:8

Prayer: I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps; I pray that You will always direct mine, amen.

May God richly bless you,

Claudette