Nov 13 Devotion: Trying My Best

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

         As I looked back at last Thursday’s devotion, I saw where I made mistakes by leaving out words that should have been there and misspelling others. I knew better but I didn’t do better. My effort was there but the performance was lacking. It aggravated me to see the mistakes. I apologize to you all for making them. It was certainly not my intention. My intention was to do my best for the Lord. He deserves no less, but I did fall short of my desired goal.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

         This verse declares that we are all sinners and (no matter how diligent our efforts) we all “come short” of accomplishing the purpose for which we were created, which is to bring glory to God. We are flawed, so our efforts are flawed. Even as a born again child of God, we fall short of bringing God glory. We still live in a body of flesh that still houses a sin nature. Our sin nature did not get saved. It is still in us and can still wield influence over us. This is not to be used as an excuse, but it is a fact that must be acknowledged.  

         Sometimes, our best doesn’t turn out like we thought it would. We think we have a handle on it all, but we don’t. Pride convinces us we’re okay. Pride is a liar. Pride is our enemy. Pride gives us a false sense of infallibility. Pride looks down on other people’s mistakes but excuses our own.

         During last week’s revival meeting, we were challenged to see what verse of the theme song for the week we fit in. My verse was, “Make me troubled because of my pride”. I have an issue with pride. I think I can do anything I set my mind to. Pride tells me I can, but truth tells me I’m flawed. Pride tells me I can do it, but truth tells me I fall short. Transparency demands that I publicly apologize for failing my Lord. He deserves better. He deserves the extra mile. He deserves glory from my life.

         Please allow me to make one more important point. We must not let our failures stop us from serving God. We all fail from time to time. We must ask for forgiveness, ask for wisdom and strength, learn from our mistakes, and keep on keeping on. We must be humble, pliable, and teachable. Our failures may not serve God, but quitting will not bring him glory either. Failure does not need to be final. Let us examine ourselves and seek God with our whole heart. Again, forgive me. By God’s grace, I hope to do better. He deserves no less.

In Christ's Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5