IS YOUR LIFE AN ILLUSTRATION OR A TESTIMONY?

April 11, 2022

We all want our lives to count, to matter in the grand scheme of things. There is a humanistic path that will give you some acclaim and reputation in the eyes of men. But the greatest joy would be to receive the applause of heaven. To know that you had so lived that God’s agenda was accomplished through your life. That His kingdom had come in some measure and His will done through His servant.

A TRAGIC ILLUSTRATION

Peruse the life of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13-15, and you will find the heartbreaking story of a wasted life. Saul was anointed as King of Israel, but he didn’t have the character to withstand the responsibility. A sinkhole is created when an underlying spring is dry, and the right pressure comes from the outside, collapsing the earth. Saul’s character was devoid of godliness, and when the pressure of leadership came, it collapsed like a cheap lawn chair.

At every turn, Saul failed to listen to God and simply do what God asked. He could have had a magnificent rule if he had followed God. The one who took his place, young David the Shepherd-King, modeled this humble dependence. His rule, although not perfect, was a testimony of God’s grace and power to those who would fully depend upon God. Saul’s life was an illustration of just the opposite. Sadly, his independent, disobedient life cost him his leadership in God’s plan.

YOUR NEXT STEP

The path to becoming an ungodly illustration or a godly testimony is taken one step at a time for all of us. It begins today with a humility that recognizes our need, a life of unceasing prayer that looks to God for everything, and the willingness to courageously obey regardless of what others may think.

Father, I humble myself before You right now. I recognize that I have nothing in me to handle this day without Your Spirit, Your Word, and Your grace. But I also know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Give me grace today to follow You with no deviation … and help me give you the glory at the end of the day.

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