Isaiah 32:8 But the noble man makes noble plans,
and by noble deeds he stands.

For once the NIV is downright poetic, in a very defensible translation. The Japanese says “high quality” where the NIV says “noble,” and that is certainly one of the meanings of “noble.” In the last part of the verse, the Japanese says, “he always does high quality things.” Checking various translations, some seem very unclear and none top the NIV for impact. However it’s translated, this verse calls to mind what Jesus said about false teachers in Matthew 7. That is, we can evaluate people by their lives. A less-than-noble person might occasionally do something good, but it’s surprising when it happens. Such a person is certainly not going to stand in the long run! In contrast, a noble person might occasionally trip up and do something bad, but there too it’s surprising. The thing is, all of us are imperfect, so we need God’s help if we are to have any hope of being truly noble. That is what Jesus’ famous parable, also found in Matthew 7 about men who built their houses on sand and rock, respectively, is talking about. The decisive factor in both cases is whether they apply what they hear from Jesus. In other words, noble deeds come from a heart that is obedient to God. Such deeds last, and tend to be self-perpetuating, forming habits that are a bulwark against evil. We need to be planning to obey God, and asking for His help both in the plans and the follow- through.

Planning has always been a weak area for me, but that’s no excuse for failing to listen to God. I do honestly desire to be noble by God’s evaluation, whatever people think of me. I am at times painfully aware that I can accomplish nothing apart from Christ, (John 15:5) but that’s not anything to complain about, because through Him I can do everything! (Philippians 4:13) As I have been reminded recently, sometimes all I can do is take one baby-step at a time, but if those steps are in the right direction, God’s grace will be manifested and Christ will be active in and through me.

Father, You know the stress I am dealing with right now, and You know what You want to work in me through it. Thank You. Help me not “kick against the goads,” (Acts 26:14) but rejoice to submit myself to what You are doing in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!