"Vain man would be wise, though he be born like a wild ass's
colt" (Job 11:12). But God demands it of man that he become a
fool, that he may be wise. (1 Cor. 3:18.)
God honoured the obedience of His saints in time of the old covenant
with the abundance of earthly things: if at any time He dealt
otherwise, as in Job's case, He departed from His ordinary course.
_Now_ the obedience of faith brings with it tribulation, more
or less. If we bear not this in mind, trials will often take
us by surprise.
The state of the heart of God's children is not to be judged
by what they call "comfort," or the lack of it; by strong words
or lively feelings; but by steady obedience to His Word—not
obedience on great occasions only: it is easier to do great things
for Christ than to hold on our way, keeping heart and lips in
our every-day walk.
The only path of safety and happiness is prompt, unquestioning,
obedience to the commandments of the Lord.
If we would be led into God's truth, we must put our neck into
Christ's yoke, and in such subjection of spirit as not to be
galled thereby.
If you compare a path of obedience with one of disobedience,
the great difference may not immediately appear; but years will
speak, and show things in their true light.
It is good to bear in mind that whatever our circumstances, it
cannot be necessary to disobey God. Let us not wish for anything
unless the means to obtain it be as much approved of by God as
the _end_.
The "perfect man" is he who has a deliberate purpose to do the
will of God in all things, under all circumstances, and at all
times; never resting in this or that measure of obedience, but
still running the race, his eye fixed on the goal.
Being delivered from the law, we are under obligation to try
all our ways, past and present, by the example of the Lord Jesus
Christ.