A
thought was put into my head today about criteria. The question was:
What does Christ value? Who is it that God tells us we should take note
of and strive to imitate because they are doers of the things God
loves? Three people came immediately to mind: a child, Mary of
Bethany, and the widow giving her offering. All three were commended by
our Savior when He walked among men. What are their
characteristics? The faith of the little child, the devotion of Mary,
and the sacrifice of the widow all received our Savior's applause. He
made a point of praising them in the presence of His disciples.
The application? If we want to be one of those whom our Savior meets
with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," we must become
like these. The little child was commended for his faith. What a child
is told by His father he immediately believes and trusts. Simple faith
is a dynamic faith. If we would only cling to the simplicity that is
in Christ Jesus. Mary had only one priority: to sit at the feet of
Jesus and learn of Him. A devotion to Christ and the Word He has given
us is essential to pleasing Him. The widow simply gave all that she
had; no fanfare, no attempt to be recognized by men, just sacrificial
trust. Perhaps you and I should spend some time today reflecting on the
people Jesus honored during His ministry on earth. Wouldn't it be wise
to do the things that are on His "list"--the things that make up His
criteria--for faithful servants? You can begin by having the faith of a
child, a simple faith that trusts the Father in all things. You can
begin by spending time at Jesus' feet every spare moment you can find so
that you can learn of Him. You can begin by being willing to sacrifice
all for Him--without trying to draw attention to yourself. Trust
demands that you let go of everything and put it in His care.
There
will not be a moment in eternity more significant than the moment when
you stand in His presence. Put aside the world's criteria and meditate
on His. Make that moment the ultimate moment of joy.
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