"For Our Profit" (Hebrews 12:10-11)

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
 
The Lord is putting the finishing touches on His own. In earlier years, I had thought that this life was mainly to provide enjoyment. Now, I perceive that enjoyment cannot be regarded as the main feature of life. Not that I suggest there is no joy, for there is surely (John 15:11; 17:1311These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:11)
13And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. (John 17:13); 1 Thess. 5:1616Rejoice evermore. (1 Thessalonians 5:16)). But enjoyment—because of lack of time or pressure of circumstances—is a momentary thing. Even in spiritual fellowship, with the Lord’s things before us, the responsibilities of human life often intrude.
I believe that the life of a believer on this earth is more a time of schooling and formation than of enjoyment. A man of the world labors to enjoy all which this life can furnish. The believer’s enjoyment is connected with the future. Thus, while in this scene Christians should be formed by the power of God—made intelligent by the Spirit’s teaching in appreciating all that God is, as revealed in Christ.
The family, the assembly, the circumstances of life all are valuable spheres in this formative process. In our circumstances our blessed Lord can make them irksome to teach us patience or severe to teach us endurance or meager to teach us confidence (Phil. 4:12; 212I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Philippians 4:12)
12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12) Cor. 12:79).
The Lord could make every one of His people rich, for He has “all power” (Matt. 28:1818And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)). But all circumstances serve in His hands as education. If we accept them in that way, we shall find great profit.
Adapted from a letter