As We See Fit

“You are not to do as we do here today, everyone as he sees fit…But you will cross…and settle in the land the LORD your God is giving you…Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name – there you are to bring everything…your offerings and sacrifices…your special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD.” De 12:8-11.

In considering this passage today, I took note of two things that were direct commands from God.  In preparation of the Israelites crossing over into their Promised Land, He warned them to refrain from operating individually.  Can you imagine the scene if hundreds of thousands of people did as they each saw fit?  Moses had to communicate the message that they were a group of God’s chosen who were one people set apart, instead of a group of individuals acting on their own preferences. Secondly, he instructed them that once they cross into the land of abundance they must remain true to the vows they gave God.  His message then was the same message we should take to heart now…we will never reach our full spiritual potential that God intended for us if we continue to do as we see fit.  Once we act as a people set apart…apart from our own desires…we will operate in our spiritual abundance God intended.

Every one of us knows what that certain thing is…that vice or behavior which we continuously choose which is a barrier in our faith.  God intends us to arrive to our promised lands but He will not move us there until our hearts are ready to offer…to sacrifice…to give…to serve.  Our choice possessions are things that are important to us…things that we see fit for our lives...our preferences and desires.  They are things that we have vowed to God to surrender to bridge better fellowship with Him. Through more pure fellowship we are given the special gifts from God to make a difference in His kingdom…the Promised Land. 

This morning I have been convicted of a vow I made, that I have not yet fulfilled.  I saw fit to do a million other things in my week.  I am thankful that we have a God who knows our hearts and will help us be faithful in our calling.  Acting as one people set apart can be challenging but through Christ we can triumph over ever temptation, leaving the wilderness and settling into our land of spiritual abundance. 

“But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It's like a fragrance that fills the air” 2 Co 2:14.