Every time I start believing I’ve made significant spiritual progress I find someone standing squarely on my last nerve. A flash of frustration can rise up so quickly at times and is usually entirely out of proportion to the situation. The Apostle Paul revealed the key to victory over self-centered behaviors when he stated: “I die daily”. I cannot afford to miss the lesson here, as the saying goes: “dead men feel no pain”. Dying to selfishness must happen each and every day. Patience with others is a sign of the depth of our progress. Father, I am rightly shaken with the reality of my lingering weaknesses, yet I know preoccupation with self is not incurable. Thank You for confronting in me what is not pleasing to You. Help me to love others with Your amazing love.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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