Jesus returned to the Father and left us so that we may have an advantage in our growth.

“⁷Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” – John 16:7 (ESV)

Here Jesus outlines the advantage that will be gained by His returning to the Father and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us all.

Too often we find ourselves dependent on the “leader” to get things done so that we have the ability to just do our work without interruption. The “leaders” are placed in the position of doing everything and therefor the growth of those below is not realized as there is no need as there is always someone there to do the work so that others can be dependents.

I happen to believe that growth comes most when the “leaders” are not there to do everything. As an example, there was a week that I was asked to serve as the point of contact for my boss as he was out on vacation. With him out I was standing in for him in meetings and other areas. There were several instances when decisions needed to be made that he would normally make and be involved in. I took the opportunity to make those decisions and move forward with work for the team and everything worked out well as though he were there all along. When he returned, he commented to me that I had done such a good job of stepping up that I “made him look bad”. Now that was not my intent, but you can see that when he stepped out of the way and allowed others to do the work they were able to step up and do the work.

Jesus stepped out of the limelight and gave way to the Holy Spirit to “help” and allowed His disciples to do the work going forward. They would no longer be dependent on Jesus to do the work and they would now be called on to step up their work and take the “lead” in all things to advance the gospel. Yes, the Holy Spirit would be there to guide and comfort, but the leading and doing was now left up to the disciples.

It is to our advantage to not me dependent on the “leaders” to get things done. We should be working to grow our skills and take the lead in all things. We should call on the “leaders” for help when something is out of our control or authority, but until that comes, we should be doing the work.

What work have you been putting off on your leader? Are you allowing others to do the work that you are certainly capable of doing yourself? What if you were to take advantage of the growth opportunities and do work for yourself and ask for help only when you “need” it?

I know, I am a higher thinker and therefore have been placed in a higher more important seat in the structure of the world.

“²⁷So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. ²⁸And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” – Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV)

Or have I?

“¹⁹For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 3:19 (ESV)

The first passage tells that God created me in His own image to rule over the other animals in the world. Then when I read the second passage, it seems as though I am in no better position that those animals. They and I are the same in that we come from the same place and will return to the same place upon our exit from this world.

When I look at the passages and only the passages, it brings confusion and seems to be contrary to each other. I am ruler over the animals, but am no different than those same animals. Deciphering the text is where I am different.

I was chosen and created by God for a purpose, as were the other animals of this world. Everything created by God was purposeful and for that I have to be grateful and understanding. But I also have to remember that like the animals and other things created by God, so was I and therefor I am a creation of His and hold the same status to Him in that regard. They came from the earth and will return to the earth. They will serve their purpose and then return. I came from the earth and will return to the earth. I will serve my purpose and then return.

I am no different from the animals and beasts in that I have a purpose to fulfill and then when that has been completed I will return to God. I hold no advantage over the other animals or beasts in that regard and must remember that as I move forward in this world.

What is your view of your station here in this world? Are you holding to the idea that you are better than those around you? What if we went through life knowing that we have a purpose and once that purpose is completed we will return to the earth and to God who created us?

“²Do you think this to be just? Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’ ³that you ask, ‘What advantage have I? How am I better off than if I had sinned?’” – Job 35:2-3 (ESV)

As a Christian, I am heir with Jesus in heaven. I am a child of God and enjoy the gift of salvation. What I don’t get is an advantage before God. I am liable just as everyone else. I am a sinner just as everyone else. I have earned nothing more than everyone else. I am just as everyone else.

Where is the difference, in my repentance. I have acknowledged that I am a sinner and that I am liable and that I am no better than and I am just like everyone else. I have accepted salvation and know that I need God to make it and get through this world.

Job was, at this time, lamenting that those that were against God seemed to be getting away with it. There appeared to be no consequence for their actions and therefor all the work put in by Job seemed to be work without reward. His thoughts were of “what is the point”. He was getting anywhere by staying righteous and therefor why shouldn’t he just start to rebel and be like those going against God, since there was no benefit to being righteous.

I admit it, I feel that way as I see what appears to be no benefit to doing right. I see those that seem to get away with whatever and I am encountering obstacle after obstacle as I do what is right and never seem to get ahead. I seem to be lagging behind and struggling for everything when those that appear to be less Godly are winning in what they set out to accomplish.

I know that it is not what we get in this world, and I have to be careful not to hold it against God. I have to accept what He gives to me and be gracious for the blessings He bestows on me and my family. I should not be doing things for gain in this world but for gain in heaven. I have to remember that I hold no advantage before God, but my advantage is with God.

What advantage are you looking for? Are you wishing to win in this world against your fellow man and before God? What if you just did the work of God and accepted your advantage with Him in heaven?

God has given me the Holy Spirit as a guide and helper in this world. It is up to me to use.

“¹⁴By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” – 2 Timothy 1:14 (ESV)

It is important to know that the Holy Spirit is here for me and is assisting me in the guarding of that which I know. It is up to me to allow and ask for that help as I go into this world and fight against the evil that is in the world and at my doorstep each day.

I have been entrusted with knowledge from God and about Him and that is important for me to maintain and promote in the world. That world is out to discredit and scream falsehood to all that is from God. It is my duty to guard against that discrediting. I know it is there and I am but one man, but the Holy Spirit is there to help and to provide the additional support I need in order to stay strong. It is too easy for me to just bow to the world and accept their view. I need strength to stand for God and the truth.

I have the Holy Spirit to use as a guide and I have those that came before me to lean on their teachings.

“¹³Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 1:13 (ESV)

Paul was there for Timothy and his words and encouragement are there for me as well. I study and learn from God’s Word that has bee produced for me and that is where I gain my strength. I know and I have to protect His Word that has been learned from God as I move in this world.

What are you leaning on and protecting? Are you allowing the world to cloud your mind? What if you were to guard against the world and use the strength of the Holy Spirit to do so?

“⁸Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, ⁹who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, ¹⁰and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ¹¹for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, ¹²which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” – 2 Timothy 1:8-12 (ESV)

Paul makes it clear here to Timothy that he is proud and grateful for the chance to spread the gospel. He knows that there is suffering that will and has come from his faith, but it is all worth it for the protections that he receives from Jesus until His return.

I am entrusted with the same and my faith should be as strong. I have nothing to fear as I am with Him. He is my protector until He returns and takes me to be with Him forever. I have to remember to have the same pride and gratefulness that Paul has and just as he is with Timothy, he is encouraging me the same way.

I am of God and have been entrusted with the same “holy calling” and it is my duty to lead that way and allow God to protect and guard me in all that I do. He will not leave me or allow me to be harmed outside of His plan, but will guard against the influence of the devil and his manipulation.

When you look at it, what protections are you assured of? Are you able to go through life knowing that God is watching over you all the way? What if you were to embrace the faith of your “holy calling” and allow Jesus to guard you until He comes?

“²⁰O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” ²¹for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” – 1 Timothy 6:20-21 (ESV)

As I look into the world, there is much out there that may be considered truth as I comes from the outlets that everyone is paying attention to. Social media, acquaintances, authority figures, celebrities, and all others that are in the visible eye. This is dangerous as there is little to know oversight into the validity of these, only that they are those that are speaking the loudest.

Paul was sure to warn Timothy against viewing and accepting that which was said as being truth. In fact when you look at the above verses, he indicates to Timothy to guard what you know to be the truth. He wanted to be sure that Timothy knew and was prepared for that which would not be in line with the truth he knew.

How much do I really look out for that which is not truth, and truly guard against that which does not align with what I know to be truth. I have to be sure that I am focused on the Christ and that which comes from Him and tune out that which does not or that which is contrary.

It is my commitment to knowing and for the truth and guarding it that will give me the ability to look out for the that which is not in line with that truth. And that is the weapon against the false, knowing the truth, guarding it, and then knowing when what I am hearing or exposed to does not align.

What are those things that you know to be the truth? Are you guarding that truth to know when the false is there? What if you were to know when the false is there and your guarding of the truth is what assist you in getting past that false?

Too often I find myself in a place of needing to be guarded. I worry that I will not be able to make it.

“⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

See here that whatever my need I can lean on the peace of God and receive that which is needed. I forget that His peace is greater than anything I could think of. I am only man and will not be able to grasp it all, however as I have written in the past, I know, so therefore I should lean on that knowledge for the guarding I require.

God is my all and all. He guards me against any and all that may come. It is His peace that grants me the guard that I need and in that peace is where I have to remember to lean for understanding of all.

What is it that comes at you where you may need guarding? Are you trying to understand it all on your own? What if you were to allow God’s peace to lead to your understanding?

“¹⁰for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ ¹¹and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” – Luke 4:10-11 (ESV)

God is my protector and comforter.

“¹²And Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” – Luke 4:12 (ESV)

And there it is, I do not have to test Him to know that it is true. In fact, as put my Jesus, I “shall not” test Him. God will protect and guard me in all times. I have to know that and accept it as that which I have learned. I do not have the right to quiz Him and test His loyalty to me and my welfare. He is there and will demonstrate His love, care, and protection when the time comes for it to be shown.

I know that as a man, I need validation from those around me of the work I am doing and that it is meaningful and I am appreciated. The thing is, I should not be in the business of doing things just to get that. It is important for me to just do the work. The validation will come or not from those around me. The real validation is from God and He will show me when the time is right for Him to show me. I do not and should not test His loyalty and love for me.

What validations are you seeking? Are you doing things for the validation and recognition? What if you were just to do the work of God and allowed Him to demonstrate His love, care, and protection when you “need” it as opposed to when you seek it?

“²¹And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.²²For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.” – Mark 13:21-23 (ESV)

Have I not been taught? I have been given knowledge from God in His Word. The knowledge has been taught by many I have trusted in the faith throughout my life. Therefore I know what is right and the correct approach to those things that are of God and that are God. Do I know all, NO, but I know where I should go should there be something that questions what I do know.

All too much in this world, we have been presented with information that is contrary to what we know and at that point it is up to us to accept the deference to what we know or use it to learn more while holding to what we do know. Take the idea of the earth being flat or round. We have been taught that the earth is round. We have seen the pictures from space, read the scientific information, and have accepted it as knowledge. When someone declares that the earth is flat, we may push back a bit yet investigate for ourselves to find proof of the concept before accepting it.

This same process should be used in our faith and with what we know about God. We have been taught and we have read the proof in God’s Word. When someone speaks or brings something contrary to what we know, we should be guarding against it and go to God’s Word to investigate and find the proof that the other person is correct before changing what we know. It is up to us to guard against the false teachings until they can be proven to be truth, and the only place to find the truth is in God’s Word.

When someone brings something to you, what is your approach to the belief it may or may not be truth? Are you accepting of that which is contrary to what you know without investigating for yourself? What if we held to what we know and guarded against that which is contrary until we can find the truth in God’s Word?

“¹⁵Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. ¹⁶’For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her’, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” – Malachi 2:15-16 (ESV)

It is too easy to abandon God as we go through our lives. When we are not paying attention to His presence, our thoughts are as though He has abandoned us. As such, we then turn away from Him and His love since we do not actively feel Him there with us.

The fact is that He is always with us. We may not feel Him as we have lost sight of and stepped away from our relationship and fellowship with Him, and not the other way around. It is our duty to find our way to Him at all times. Not just Sunday mornings, or Christmas, or Easter, or when we are experiencing a difficult time. We have to maintain our relationship and fellowship with Him in all. Our lives are to be filled with Him.

I have a duty to God and in that duty I have to guard against all that comes against me to distract me from my relationship and fellowship with Him. Satan is actively working to separate me from God. God will protect and guard against the danger, but I also have to guard against falling prey to the schemes of the evil one and turn to God in all. When I turn to Him, he will protect me. When I turn to Him, His love is felt and realized. When I turn to Him, I am guarding against the temptations of the evil one and living in the love of God where I am demonstrating my faith in Him.

When you are experiencing life, what is your relationship with God? Are you allowing yourself to turn away from Him and losing sight and feel of your relationship and fellowship with Him? What if you were to turn to Him, demonstrate your faith in Him to guard yourself from the evil one and allow God to guard over you and protect you from the same?