“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52
It is our desire to be in favor with both God and man! That may not always be possible today, especially if you are serious about wanting to remain in favor with God. So, the searching question is: whose favor is first in your life? Is it your children? Is it your spouse? Is it your taste buds? Or maybe you favor appearances? What is your desire in finding favor?
“They [the children of Israel] desired something which they could look upon to resemble God. The gods of the Egyptians were in their minds, and Satan was improving this opportunity, in the absence of their appointed leader, to tempt them to imitate the Egyptians in their idolatry. They suggested that if Moses should never return to them, they could return into Egypt, and find favor with the Egyptians, by bearing this image before them, acknowledging it as their god.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 274, 275.
Are you “bearing this image” of television, movies or the way you dress, to find favor with the world? “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. … I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalm 101:2, 3).
“… and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 273.
We are living in the tarrying time—waiting for our Lord to return. During this time many would like to be “part of” or “accepted by” the Egyptians—the world, the “house of bondage.” God said to each of us: “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 20:2).
Why would you choose to return to the house of bondage—the worldly ways from which you were delivered? Why would you want to eat, drink and be merry with those who are not walking with your Lord? Are you looking to be friends with the world because your Lord has not yet returned? Many have lowered the Christian standards of dress, diet, and lifestyle, to “find favor” with and fit in the world.
Tragically, mingling with the world will cause many to lose favor with the Lord. Will you be called a “stiff-necked people” having lost your piety and consecration to God, and forfeit His protection? (see Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 282.)
While we tarry, focus on the preparation of our hearts and minds for the soon coming of our Lord. We want to find favor with God and not with fallen man.
“… choose you this day whom ye will serve …” (Joshua 24:15).
Heavenly Father: Preserve us from the ways of this world which lead us away from Thee. Give us the strength to stand for right and to not be moved by any attractions that may beckon us to return to Egypt from whence You have rescued us. We choose to find favor with Thee. We choose not to be a stiff-necked people. “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not” (Psalm 17:5). Thank you Lord. Amen.