“These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage,” Jude 1:16 (ESV). I’m not comfortable reading this verse. Not that it isn’t true, I don’t feel comfortable because it is. And even worse, even as a sincere believer I have repeatedly done each of the things it points out. Sometimes, I still do before I even notice I’m doing it! But seeking truth is not a One-and-Done, it is a daily journey. So, I must again face the mirror of God’s Word this new day. “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 1:25 (ESV). Lying to ourselves about our own spiritual conditions only makes it worse. Father, in Your abundant Mercy please forgive me. Awaken my heart to truth and cleanse my ways.
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.
Comments
Post a Comment