Good, Acceptable, Perfect

NEHEMIAH WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL

How often do we mistake the noise of the outer court for the voice of God?
Is your spiritual life currently illuminated by natural wisdom, or by the Glory of God?
Are you prepared to exchange a life of mere “busy-ness” that is filled with good works for one of perfect obedience?

Good, Acceptable, Perfect

It is essential to know the difference between the levels of obedience in God – good, acceptable, and perfect – because we truly only have time for His perfect will. How do we discern the difference?

The progression from the Outer Court to the Holy Place (or Inner Court) to the Holy of Holies was a physical journey in the times of the Old Testament priests (Hebrews 9:1-12). The Outer Court was a distance from the Ark of the Presence; it was noisy and illuminated by natural light. The Holy Place or Inner Court could only be entered by the priests. It was lit by candlelight. The Holy of Holies could only be entered by the high priest at specific times. The only light in the Holy of Holies emanated from the Glory of God. 

There are many parallels that can be drawn from the Outer Court to the Holy Place to the Holy of Holies progression, to the modern Christian’s walk. If we spend most of our devotional time in the outer court, we will become satisfied with that which is “good”. If we spend our time in the Holy Place, “acceptable” will satisfy us. But – if we dwell in the Holy of Holies, face to face and whispering distance from our Beloved, then we will only be satisfied when we are in the center of His perfect will.

God calls every believer to move beyond what is “good and/or “acceptable” towards that which is perfect.

Here are three keys to facilitate that journey:

1. Seek the Wisdom of God
   
   The Bible tells us that the counsel (wisdom) of the LORD will lead us into His Glory.
   
   Psalm 73:23-24
   Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
   You will guide me with Your counsel (wisdom), and afterward, receive me to glory.
   
   
2. Present Yourself as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
   
   The Greek word translated as “worship” or “service” in Romans 12 is “latreia” and includes amongst its meanings, Divine service involving sacrifice; in other words, a life poured out in the service of the King of Kings.
   
   At the time of Christ, men and women who had been captured through war were sold in the marketplace, and the term of their service was seven years. But their master generally treated them very well, even like family, so that at the end of the seven years, when they were given the option to go free, many would choose to stay in the house of their master, and continue to serve him because of the great love that they had developed for their masters.
   
   The sacrificial service of “love servants” of the Most High – those who serve simply because they adore Him – is the kind of worshipful service that will open the floodgates of Heaven and release greater levels of fruitfulness in our lives.
   
   Presenting ourselves as living sacrifices is a serious undertaking. However, all we have to do is seek the wisdom of God, and remember to do His perfect will alone – not simply that which is “good” or “acceptable”. If we can master that, then becoming a living sacrifice will be a wonderful, blessed journey, and secondly, His wisdom will guide us into His Glory every time (Psalm 73:24).
   
   
3. Before Life Becomes Chaotic, Remember Who You Are in Christ
   
   Daniel 7:21-22
   “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.”
   
   The “horn” above refers to the enemy, and one of the main weapons that he tries to use against the saints in our day and time is – “burnout” – i.e. excess “busy-ness.” 
   
   We need to consciously protect ourselves against this, and one of the best ways to do this is to take time out to prayerfully remember who we are in Christ. Then, when we are re-centred in Him. He will remind us of the God-given vision that we have been given. This helps us to gain (or re-gain) the correct perspective on our lives, and will help us determine what the important things are that we need to prioritise. 

The reality is – it is usually excess “good and acceptable things” or “good and acceptable works” that will consume our time and exhaust us. May God help us all to discern the difference so that we may always be found in the center of His perfect will. 

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, draw me from the distractions of the outer court into the stillness of Your presence. Teach me to live within whispering distance of Your Presence, and to offer my life to You daily as a living sacrifice. Grant me the wisdom to discern Your perfect will amidst the chaotic noise of this world. Amen.

This devotional is written by Pastor Steve Harris, the founder of Global Influencers, an organization that trains and equips leaders and emerging leaders to establish anointed communities that transform nations by restoring Kingdom culture from grassroots to government in the villages, cities, regions, and nations of the world. He is also the Content Development Assistant in the Nehemiah Entrepreneurship Community.