1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (Amplified)
“But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.”
I recall the story that was told of a wealthy man who had worked with a home builder for many years. The rich man asked the builder to assist him in constructing a new home. He said that the builder should design it as if it were to be his own home.
The builder began to hold resentment against the wealthy man for asking him to work on his own time to design the home. As the construction started, he showed his resentment by using substandard materials any time it could not be seen.
After many months, the home was completed and he drove to the owner’s home to deliver the keys. The wealthy man smiled and returned the keys to the builder. “The home is yours! It is my gift to you for the many years of dedicated service.”
All of the substandard work and materials made him realize that he had intended to cheat this wealthy man, but he had only cheated himself. It is much the same way with our life.
We try to cut corners spiritually instead of giving the Lord the first fruits of our life. We settle for the substandard rather than God’s best. Let’s go for the gold!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil