|
By Diane Singer|Published Date: January 30, 2012
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) My Utmost For His Highest (January 1st)
“My eager desire and hope being that I may never feel ashamed” [Philippians 1:20]. We shall all feel very much ashamed if we do not yield to Jesus on the point He has asked us to yield to Him. Paul says – “My determination is to be my utmost for His Highest.” To get there is a question of will, not of debate nor of reasoning, but a surrender of will, an absolute and irrevocable surrender on that point. An overweening consideration for ourselves is the thing that keeps us from that decision, though we put it that we are considering others. When we consider what it will cost others if we obey the call of Jesus, we tell God He does not know what our obedience will mean. Keep to the point; He does know. Shut out every other consideration and keep yourself before God for this one thing only — My Utmost for His Highest. I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and for Him alone.
Monday: Deuteronomy 10:12; Ezekiel 20:40; Micah 6:8
The dictionary defines “utmost” as the “most or best of one’s abilities.” According to these passages, what is the “best” God requires of us? Think of a practical example for each of these requirements — a way you have manifested your “utmost” for God in the past (or could in the future).
Tuesday: Deuteronomy 4:1-31
Just before the Israelites went in to take possession of the Promised Land, Moses reiterated what the Lord required of them. If they wanted to be blessed, they had to hear and obey all He had commanded. As you read this passage, make a list of what God wanted them to do. How many of these rules apply to Christians today?
Wednesday: Deuteronomy 4:32-40; Psalm 8
The Israelites were expected to offer their “utmost” obedience to Yahweh based on their awe for who He is and on their heartfelt gratitude for what He had done for them. What view of God inspired Moses and the Psalmist as they wrote these passages? Which of these characteristics most influence your walk with Him? What others would you add?
Thursday: Joshua 24:14-15; Romans 6:12-13
Why is the choice Joshua made for himself and his household the only reasonable one if we want to do our “utmost for His Highest”? What will we need to exclude from our lives in order to carry out that commitment? How can you be an “instrument of righteousness” to people you come into contact with today?
Friday: Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 9:57-62; Luke 14:25-33
Chambers speaks of what our obedience to God may cost others — and how often we allow that cost to prevent us from giving Him our “utmost.” What does Jesus say will likely happen when we decide to follow Him? What close relationships may be disrupted? Why must we be willing to allow this to happen?
Saturday: Acts 4:1-31; Acts 5:20
Peter and John boldly proclaimed what they had seen and heard about Jesus. What was their attitude when they were arrested and threatened for doing their “utmost” for Christ? Does their example help you want to be bolder in living for Jesus before a hostile world?
Sunday: Philippians 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Paul says he was not the strongest, bravest, or most eloquent of the apostles; but he did have a heart wholly devoted to Christ, and his service was empowered by the Holy Spirit. What can you learn from his attitude and example in order to equip you to offer your “utmost for His Highest”?
The Lesson for the Week:
Christians invest far too much time and attention on the things of this world which do not last. Instead, we must focus our attention on Christ and — like Oswald Chambers and the great saints who went before us — commit to being our “utmost for His Highest.” Such a commitment will not only pay dividends in this life -- dividends of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) — but eternal dividends as well. If we will do our best, our most, for the Savior who did His best, His most for us, we will one day stand before Him and know the surpassing joy of having been found faithful (Matthew 25:21). What will this require of you, beginning today, that has not been present in your life before?
Next steps: Meet with a Christian friend and share your answer to the last question above. Ask him or her to pray for you and hold you accountable to keep offering your utmost for the Lord’s highest.
For more Oswald Chambers, order his book, My Utmost for His Highest, from our online store. Or read the article, “Foolish and Slow of Heart?” by T. M. Moore
|
PRINT
RSS