My Righteousness I Hold Fast, And
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of holding onto our ideals and the transformative power of Jesus in realizing them despite life's challenges.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of holding fast to our ideals and righteousness, as exemplified by Job's unwavering commitment to his vision of a noble life. He encourages believers to strive towards their God-given potential despite the challenges and discouragements they face, reminding them that every step taken in faith brings them closer to their goals. Meyer highlights that while life may present obstacles and moments of doubt, Jesus is always ready to help us realize our ideals if we open our hearts to Him. He reassures that our aspirations are not lost, and we can still achieve what we once envisioned for ourselves.
Text
My righteousness I hold fast, and
will not let go. Job xxvii. 6.
JOB had an ideal and clung to it. Have you such? A vision of what you may be, and, by the grace of God, will aim at being. Bishop Westcott says: ‑‑ "The vision of the ideal guards monotony of work from becoming monotony of life." Bitter indeed is life for those who have not seen the heavenly vision, or heard the calling upward of the voice that says, Come up hither. Any life looks more interesting and attractive when the light of our ideal falls on it, and we realize that every yard leads somewhere, and every step is one nearer the goal. So some one has suggested that "If we cannot realize our ideal, we may at least idealize our real."
But there are many hindrances, many adverse influences to combat, many suggestions that we should let go our ideal. We have so often failed, slipped where we thought we should stand, limped where we thought to overcome by wrestling. The crags are so steep, the encouragement we receive from fellow‑climbers so scant, the dissuasions and misconstructions ‑‑ like those Job had from his friends ‑‑ so many. But Jesus who inspired the ideal waits to realize it, if only you will open your heart and let Him enter. Do you hunger and thirst? then He will satisfy. He does not tantalize and disappoint the seeking soul.
"Have we not all, amid life's petty strife,
Some pure ideal of a noble life
That once seemed possible? It was. And yet
We lost it in this daily jar and fret,
And now live idle in a vague regret.
but still our place is kept, and it will wait.
Ready for us to fill it, soon or late:
No star is ever lost we once have seen ‑‑
We always may be what we might have been.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The importance of holding onto one's ideal
- The role of vision in life
- The impact of our ideals on daily living
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II
- Hindrances to achieving our ideals
- The influence of negative voices
- The challenge of perseverance
-
III
- The promise of Jesus in realizing our ideals
- The necessity of opening our hearts
- The fulfillment of spiritual hunger
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IV
- The significance of striving for a noble life
- The potential for redemption of lost ideals
- The assurance that we can still achieve our potential
Key Quotes
“The vision of the ideal guards monotony of work from becoming monotony of life.” — F.B. Meyer
“If we cannot realize our ideal, we may at least idealize our real.” — F.B. Meyer
“No star is ever lost we once have seen - We always may be what we might have been.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Identify your personal ideals and commit to pursuing them.
- Be aware of negative influences and choose to focus on uplifting voices.
- Open your heart to Jesus and trust Him to help you fulfill your potential.