SEEKING GOOD DILIGENTLY

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. (Proverbs 11:27)

Whatsoever a man sows that is what he reaps. This scripture is so self-explanatory. Seeking good will always cause one to reap the right benefits. The scripture describes the degree of the search.  It says that “he that diligently seeks good” procureth favour. Diligence is defined as careful and thorough work or effort. We can then say that he or she that carefully and thoroughly seeks (looks for) good obtains favour. I know that the society we find ourselves in fans the flames of constant suspicion and many who desire to do good are sometimes discouraged but God’s word is clear.

It is a diligent pursuit of good that attracts favour. When you form or have a habit of doing good, it becomes a part of you and eventually becomes a lifestyle that others can attest to and invariably admire. This attitude excuses critics who think that you are pretending. When you repeatedly do a thing it becomes a part of you – it is like your second nature. Keep seeking good diligently because favour is walking in your direction. Be rest assured that as you continue the walk of goodness; you will ultimately collide with favour so do not be discouraged.

GOD RESISTS PRIDE BUT GIVES GRACE

“… For God resisteth the proud , and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (1 Peter 5:5b-6)

The principle of humility and the benefits derived from adhering cannot be wearied. Nobody likes associate himself with a proud individual who always talks about himself and his seeming achievement. It naturally wears people around him out. So imagine how God feels when dealing with such an individual. God categorically says that He resists the proud. “To resist” simply put means to refuse to accept something from happening.

So literally speaking, as much as a proud man wants to be “the happening guy” of the moment, God refuses to allow him happen. God applies a force of resistance when he sees a proud person but to the humble God gives grace. Notice the action. God gives grace to the humble. When you give something you require less effort to do the giving. But when you want to resist, you will apply a lot of force to accomplish the resistance. Our God is all loving and also all powerful. To our God pride is something he does not accommodate so he will apply the necessary resistance so that the proud is limited in accomplishment.

The humility of a man or woman warms the Lord’s heart and causes a willing release of grace for the humble to accomplish. The reason why the Lord will give grace to humble is that a humble man is one that also has the attribute of thanksgiving. The humble knows that whatever accomplishment he or she has, it can be traced back to the enabling grace of God. Let me ask you which side do you prefer? The “grace side”; or the “resist side?” I guess the answer is rather obvious.

Humility is a virtue. Humility does not make you less of a man or woman rather it adds a certain aura around you that is unrivaled. Humility eventually opens doors once it is perceived as genuine. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Proverbs 15:33) If you want honour, try humility first. It will flow naturally, that is the right order.

HUMILITY ATTRACTS GRACE TO EXCEL.

GOD GIVES INCREASE

 

 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

This scripture is quite familiar and we easily quote the latter part especially. I often hear the “it is God that giveth increase” part.” I have planted, Apollos watered;” The beginning of the verse suggests that there is division of labour in the task ahead. It suggests that each individual approaches life with the understanding that all concerned have a part to play. Apostle Paul acknowledged his part as planter, Apollos did the watering. 

There is no need for anyone to look down on the role played in achieving a goal. Paul said it with audacity that aspect of planting was accomplished by him while Apollos was tagged with his area of accomplishment as the one who watered. Evidently rancor was eliminated.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” Apostle Paul understood clearly who did what as far the building of the Corinthian church was concerned. In describing the extent of the division of labour, Paul ended the sentence with a major humbling emphasis, “but God gave the increase”. It is important to focus on this part of the testimony. 

As much as Paul such be excited for starting the work of planting and Apollos of watering; there was a clear consciousness of the fact that their efforts would be in vain if the Almighty did not favour them with increase. I will say this, as much as it is good for one to be able to lay claim to certain achievement or effort in people’s life it is important to know that increase is given by God alone. Remember that except the Lord build, the builders do so in vain.

 
Human nature likes to lay claim to ownership of a thing especially seeming success. In life we must stay humble in basking in the euphoria of life’s achievement. No matter what you think you have put in; it is God that allowed increase to be visible. Let me ask you, can you explain how a seed that is planted (buried) in the ground, decays and yet brings out new life and shoots out of the ground and commences growth? IT IS GOD THAT GIVES INCREASE! 
Thou art worthy Lord. All things were created for God’s pleasure. Have a clean mind. There are those that plant and there are also those who water but ultimately increase comes from God. You are not indispensable. If God does not crown your effort with increase you will not have. I pray that as you read through you will always remember that increase comes from God so there is no need for all the pride flying around these days. Lord help us.