“They shall not gird themselves with anything which makes them sweat.”Ezekiel 44:18

The priests of God were real men, and their efforts naturally would have caused them to perspire. There was nothing wrong with sweat or the labor that caused it. But God wanted them to act differently in His presence. As the priests approached His throne, they were not to be clothed with anything that would cause them to sweat. Here, in fact, God was delivering a message about human effort and the importance of faith. How easily we can find ourselves depending upon the things we do. We can glory in our “sweat”: Our achievements and accomplishments, rewards and honors. But the Bible tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus made this clear to the disciples after they witnessed a supernatural release of power and authority in their lives. They were not to rejoice “that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (Luke 10:19-20). All of us must remember that we owe everything to God. All of our talents and resources simply are gifts from Him. All of our human effort is as nothing before Him. We can work and work, but nothing of lasting importance will be accomplished through our flesh. God looks for faithful stewards who will trust Him and develop the gifts they have been given. He blessed those who lay aside all pride and seek to serve Him, always giving Him the praise and glory for their accomplishments. As we come before the Lord, we must lay aside all of our efforts and work. We come to Him because of His grace, forgiven because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. All our achievements and trophies are due to Him. Instead of striving, we must be diligent to enter His rest (Hebrews 4:11). Brothers & Sisters in your life, thank God for giving you His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Declare that His faithfulness is great and His mercy is new every morning. And remember the importance of walking by faith instead of by your own efforts.