As a 3 or 4 year old, I learned a lesson that took years to unlearn. I learned that the race is for the swift. It cost me excellence, and so much more. Yet, God offers a much more excellent way. Perseverance. It really builds character. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Hebrews 4:11 ASV
[11] Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience.
Work Diligently for God’s Rest
I remember the incident as if it was yesterday. My very first Math race. As the child of not one, but two very respected educators, I knew that the rules of Maths included clarity in presentation. So, having completed the equation set before me (it was simple addition), I took the time to diligently separate the answer with the line, and add the double line underneath. I then rechecked that all was well done, before running back to the finish.
When I got there, the race was over. (To this day, I’m still not a speedy runner). I finished last. Or as we’d say those days, ‘dead last’. Tears flowed. For all my diligence, I was not going to be rewarded! I didn’t even place!
One teacher, the person who held the paper with the problem I was solving spoke in my defence. She noted that actually, I had finished first, but took time to ‘neat and fine’ (refine) the presentation of my work.
I received a consolation prize. But it was absolutely not the prize that I’d laboured for. Needless to say, that experience stayed with me.
Years later, as a first year student at the university, I faced a similar situation. Then, it was an assignment that I’d painstakingly completed. But several others in the class did not understand what was required. We advocated, and the lecturer used the first party of the session to explain what was expected, then extended the due date. In my confidence, and forgetting that I’d discussed my approach with others (which was mostly aligned to the lecturer’s expectations), I opted to submit my paper. I wasn’t going to be the last in once again. No edits, just as it was.
To my surprise, my lecturer gave my the lowest grade! My colleagues had built on what had been explained by me and the lecturer. Their papers had depth and more content. She said I’d failed to be diligent, as I should have used the extension to strengthen my arguments and add more substance to what had become the common class response. Lest you miss the point, the issue wasn’t about helping the others, it was that i then failed to replenish/add to my previous knowledge.
It smarted.
But, I learned, rather unlearned, the previous lesson about perseverance and diligence from my lecturer.
Self-Check
Looking at your own approach to life, which of the two ways described – if any – describes you?
Deeper Dive
Neither perseverance nor diligence is strictly about speed.
They are forged through discernment in the crucible of life experiences. When we are called to be diligent so that we enter into God’s rest, it is guaranteed that tests will come. Little Maths races that are aimed at building spiritual accuracy. Those moments require that we consult with God on the go, relying on past experience to guide us. We could almost press our way forward without too much forethought or change in plans.
Then there are the assignments that require continued consultation with God. It may be at home, school, work, church, or the wider community. Even if we ‘understand the assignment’, we must make the time to pray and consult with God for the best way to approach the issue. Yesterday’s solution may provide a baseline, but it cannot be the sole element in our response. Those assignments invite us to watch and pray. And, in handing them over to God, we know God adds the flourishes and ensures accuracy.
Y’shua, Who is always with us, has offered us the best starting point for such assignments. He offers us the opportunity to partner with Him, to be yoked in labour with Him, and in Him we find rest. Not because we no longer have issues, but because we yield to God’s guidance from God’s Spirit through Y’shua. That’s what He offers us in Matthew 11:28. Amidst all else that Jesus taught and spoke about in that chapter, He assures them that in Him, the assignment is easier.
How then do we avoid disobedience? Through consistent and continued time spent with God and God’s Word. That’s where we find rest. I have proven Him in that regard time and time again. Especially in those rough moments when it is not easy to be diligent. One songwriter says we should have a little walk with Jesus and tell Him all about our struggles. It works.
So … How about it? Yield to Y’shua and enter God’s rest ‘Today’ and always; or stubbornly do it our way and face the sting of disappointment and fatigue?
Point to Ponder
Christ’s words, ‘It is finished!’, ushers us into a new era of God’s Sabbath-rest. It’s one where all the children of Abraham have access to the Land of Promise, as well as all of God’s promises.
Being a child of Abraham is not only about descent. It is a spiritual grace that comes upon us who choose to believe in God. In believing, we act, and in acting, we gain access to God’s rest. Selah
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May all we seek be found in Christ
