August 12

One of the signs of maturity is that we no longer pursue every desire that crosses our mind. Whether it is restraint in interpersonal relationships or in using a credit card, we evidence our ability to be responsible by deferring gratification or by denying ourselves gratification altogether.

This evidence of maturity can be recognized in the spiritual realm, too. When we are newly born again, we discover zeal within ourselves to ‘set the world on fire for Jesus.’ We want everyone to know we’ve found Him and we want them to find Him. We volunteer for every church program and we contribute to every ministry that touches our lives.

Though these are worthy, they are not necessarily God’s will. In Ecclesiastes 5:1 we are admonished, “Keep your foot when you go to the house of God. To draw near to hear and obey is better than to give the sacrifice of fools.” The Lord is telling us here that we must listen for His voice when we are charting the course of our labor in His harvest field.

If we hear Him and then obey Him, we won’t spin our wheels in the behalf of the Kingdom. Instead, we will do purposeful work in response to the instruction of the One who best knows how to employ our skills toward His purposes. If we squander our time and energy foolishly, we will accomplish only the draining of our desire to serve Him.