Would that my ways were firm in keeping Your laws; then I would not be ashamed when I regard all Your commandments [Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel]. (Psalm 119:5-6 Tanakh [MSG])
Is claiming sonship to the King of Heaven so small a matter that you think you can obtain it without giving real proof of your zeal for God and hatred of sin?
Heaven is not won with good words or bold professions. Railing against the devil in prayer or conversation is not enough. We are called to more than just crying out against him. Our purpose and mission must be to push back. To take action against him and mortify him.
“He not being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25, 1599 Geneva Bible). Notice the Apostle doesn’t say by his deed, but in his deed. We meet blessedness as we walk obediently.
Note also that God’s mercy to His children is so great that He gladly accepts their weak efforts to please Him as long as those efforts are joined with sincerity and perseverance. When the heart is right, God accepts the works as if they were done in full obedience. This is why the saints are said to have “done all.”
Who would not wholeheartedly serve such a God? Servants sometimes complain that their masters are so unreasonable that even if they do their best, they can never please them. Such a charge can never be brought against God. Only do your best, and God will pardon your worst. David knew the indulgence of the Lord when he said, “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6).
There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below. Charles Spurgeon
Adapted from The Christian in Complete Armour,
William Gurnall & James S. Bell, Jr