My Utmost Journal - May 25th

My Utmost For His Highest

God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the right and proper thing to consider if you were not living a life of faith; but if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and leave God to choose for you.

2 days ago My Utmost talked about putting God first in every decision we make. He should be our first consideration in everything, big and small. I think this is a very similar concept. There are times when we have every right to put ourself first and nobody would consider it being selfish. However, this is an opportunity to glorify God and to begin walking closer to God.


This is the discipline by means of which the natural is transformed into the spiritual by obedience to the voice of God.

Making good, godly decisions is great. Really, it is. But if you made that decision out of habit or for any other reason than because you know that it is what God wants you to do, then you aren't growing. This is similar in concept to this quote. You cannot boast of becoming more spiritual through your godly decisions if you weren't tempted to make an ungodly decision.

What came to mind when I first read this was money. If I'm in a tight financial spot, nobody would blame me for not giving a few dollars to the guy on the street corner or donating to help a missionary at my church or helping a friend that is in need. I have every right to make sure that my rent is paid and that I have enough gas money to get to and from work. But this moment could easily turn into one of those moments where I take a step closer to becoming the man I want to be. Too often, these moments come and go without any notice. But, usually, these are opportunities for you to "let God choose for you."


The great enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but the good which is not good enough.

That is a powerful line. To keep with the money example, when we are put in those situations where we could donate money, even when we are in need, what's our first thought? "I donate 10% as it is." Or "I gave someone a dollar last week." Or anything that relieves our conscience by convincing ourselves that we are doing "good enough."


We have to learn to walk according to the standard which has its eye on God.

Read the bible in a year. Daily readings: 1 Chronicles 25-27; John 9:1-23

Edited on: Friday, May 25th, 2007 12:00:54 PM

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