Jesus said to the Pharisees, “‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” Luke 16:15
From the heart of God:
Give up the worldly definitions of success.
Lay down the world’s standards and what man esteems.
See what happens as you lay these aside and live only unto Me: in holiness, beyond what people see and would judge, in the unseen of the heart and actions when no one is around, in the stillness and quiet and dark, in the internal life. Start there, being intolerant of any hidden sin and thought that does not line up with My truth (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hear My voice and follow (John 10:27). Just be who I’ve called you to be, with the heart I’ve given you. You will attract those who are seeking Me, and at the same time you will repel those who are not (John 6:44, 65). This does not make you a success or a failure. You will always be an “aroma” of life or death (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16). Don’t worry about which you are. What a miserable life of bondage to live for what others will think!
Obey and walk by the Spirit. I’ll take care of your reputation. Just follow Me.
“‘If anyone wishes to come after Me,
he must deny himself,
and take up his cross daily
and follow Me.’” Luke 9:23
“die to sin and live to righteousness” 1 Peter 2:24
Fear and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord, convict us of anything we have highly esteemed that is detestable in your sight and any area of our lives we have bowed to man’s opinion rather than to You alone. We do wish to come after You. So we will deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow You. And this will be our success story.
Spend some time with the Lord today and let Him show you anything you need to see.
“Search me and show me, Lord.”
