How can we ensure our lives are not "found deficient" before God? Setting the Scene Belshazzar’s feast in Daniel 5 is not a parable; it is a historical moment when God publicly weighed a king’s life and declared it lacking. In that sober light, we ask, “How can we ensure our lives are not found deficient before God?” The Verse Before Us “TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.” (Daniel 5:27) Why God Weighs Lives • He is perfectly just; nothing escapes His notice (Psalm 11:4). • His standard is His own holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Every person will face a similar assessment (Hebrews 9:27). Our Universal Shortfall • “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) • “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Left to ourselves, we will always be found deficient. God’s Provision for Sufficiency • Salvation by grace through faith in Christ: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) • A new standing and a new heart (2 Corinthians 5:17). • The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers obedience (Romans 8:11). Daily Practices That Keep Us Off the ‘Deficient’ Scale • Regular self-examination: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Ongoing repentance and confession: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) • Consistent intake of Scripture—hearing and doing: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Active pursuit of holiness: set apart in thoughts, words, and actions (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Prayer that aligns the heart with God’s priorities (Matthew 6:33). • Fellowship and accountability within the local church (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Service and good works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10). • Witnessing to Christ’s saving work (Matthew 28:19-20). • Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). Signs a Life Is Measuring Up • Growing love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). • Increasing victory over habitual sin (Romans 6:14). • Joyful obedience rather than reluctant compliance (1 John 5:3). • Evidence of spiritual fruit that blesses others (Galatians 5:22-23). • Perseverance through trials with hope (James 1:2-4). • A humble reliance on Christ’s finished work, not personal merit (Philippians 3:8-9). Encouragement for the Journey The Lord who weighs is also the Lord who saves. “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) Lean on His grace, walk in His Word, and you can face His scales with confidence rather than fear. |
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