When John the Baptist was reminded by some of his disciples that his influence among the people was waning, and that the multitudes were flocking to Jesus, he replied, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." (John 3:27)
If the truth of this answer were recognized and believed by all men, there would be a perfect condition of society. It is well worth studying.
In the first place, it shows us the uselessness of seeking a position and influence for ourselves. "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." (John 3:27)
Therefore he does not really possess that which he has gained, by his own self-seeking. Or, to put it more correctly, that which one gets, by his own selfish seeking, is nothing. Whoever, therefore, seeks position and influence for himself, is pursuing a shadow. Such seeking is worse than useless.
Again, the will of heaven towards us cannot be thwarted by any other person. The reception of the gifts of heaven depends solely upon ourselves. If we are willing to receive what heaven has for us, no person on earth can stay it from bestowing them.
Therefore it follows that we shall most certainly have everything that the God of heaven wishes us to have. A belief of this would produce perfect contentment in us.
Moreover, if any position or influence is taken from us, we may know that it was taken by the will of heaven. We are not to blame men for it. Even the man who may possess it instead of us is not to be blamed. If there be any blame, we are the ones to whom it belongs.
God may have taken it away because we did not use it properly. Or there may be no blame at all, but the purpose for which God gave it to us may have been served. But in any case we are not to blame men for what we have lost, since gifts are only at God's disposal.
With these words of John we may place those written by the Apostle James, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)
Therefore we need not mourn if we lose the position which was good, and which offered such facilities for serving God; because when it goes we may know that it would not be good for us anymore.
Not only are we certain to have every good thing that God has for us, if we are willing to receive it, but everything that comes from God is good. "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)
Who cannot see that it is worse than foolish to complain when good comes to him?
Let good or ill befall,
It must be good for me,
Secure of having Thee in all,
Of having all in Thee.
--Henry Francis Lyte, Hymn: Psalm 31, 1834.
One thing more should be learned, and that is not to boast. Since a man can receive nothing except that which is given him from heaven, what wickedness it is to boast of any gifts that we may possess. "Who makes you to differ from another? and what have you that you did not receive? now if you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)
He who remembers that God gives only good things, and everything that is good, and who lives in constant recognition of the fact that he is dependent on heaven alone, and who therefore commits himself to the heavenly keeping will, though poor and unknown, find even on earth the riches and satisfaction of heaven.--Present Truth, July 18, 1895--Timeline: III-4 (Ministry in Judea)--John 3:27.