05/10/2020
We talk quite a bit about having new life, or being transformed, as if we have no active part in achieving these things, But both require effort from us. It is true that these are founded on, and sparked by Jesus Christ, but we have a role to play in making our new life happen. In other words, Jesus makes them possible, starts them in motion, and abides in us, but we must accept Him, and working with the Holy Spirit, bring them to life in ourselves.
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Romans 8:13 ESV
As children our parents provide us a home, food, clothing, and an education (among other things), but given all of these opportunities it is still up to us to take advantage of them. Our faith is much the same, God provides us with all the blessings of faith, but we must accept them and apply them. We can put to death (transform) our old self by what we are given, or we can chose to reject God and remain the same earthly creatures we have always been. God offers, but He doesn’t force forgiveness, and relationship, on us!
“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV
I once heard a fictional story about two children. One was put in a room filled with wonderful toys, and the other was placed in a room neck deep in manure. The child who had all of the toys played with them for a while, and then grew bored with all he had, and wanted out. In the other room the little boy just kept throwing the manure about and laughing uncontrollably. Finally the little boy was forcibly brought from the room of manure and asked why he was so excited and happy. His answer was this: “I know that with that much manure, there must be a pony in there somewhere!”, and he wanted to continue looking.
There were two motivations at play here, the first was a matter of perception. One boy saw his room and all the toys as being finite. What he could see and touch was all there was. The other little boy saw something more; he saw and felt what was in the room, but he made the determination that there was something more at to this room. The first boy saw his room for what it was while the other saw his room for what it might be. This had to do with the perception each one had of their circumstance.
“And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?”
Mark 8:17 ESV
The second motivation had to do with hope, and faith. The boy with the toys saw only the toys, and having no hope, nor faith in there being anything else, he quickly lost interest. However, the boy standing neck deep in manure had hope that there was more than just manure, and then began to act on his faith. He not only had hope in a pony being there, but had faith that he could find it, and began to search frantically.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
There is personal action required of us when faith, and relationship are mentioned in the Bible. God offers, but we must accept; Jesus calls us to follow, but We must leave our nets, our homes, and follow Him. Are we ready to take part in this greatest of journeys, and begin walking the way of righteousness, hope, and relationship with Jesus that makes our faith come alive?
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for extending your loving hand to us, and giving us the opportunity to join in this marvelous relationship with you. We thank you for your Son Jesus who clears the way for us by with His redeeming blood, and for your Holy Spirit who gives us understanding, and helps us put to death the old sinful person we once were. You guide our steps Father, but we must take them. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who Has sent His Son to knock at our door, and who invites us to join you. Praised be your name Father for being with us always, and walking with us through life. Order our steps Lord, and lead us as we seek your will. Hear our praise, our worship, and our prayers, as we seek you now, and forevermore. Teach us your will, and your ways, as we act upon your Word.
“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
James 1:23-25 ESV
Rich Forbes