May 2- NDS- Spiritually Weary People

Next Door Savior by Max Lucado
"Spiritually Weary People"
John 3:1-6

The two previous chapters, "Grieving People" and "Tormented People", while interesting and enjoyable reading, did not particularly resonate with me.  However, when I saw the title of today's reading, I thought, "Here we go!"  Weariness.  Bone tired.  Tuckered out.  So often lately that is how I have felt.

I blog.  I church security.  I Life Group.  I help teach English to Chinese students at Ridgecrest.  Yet I still have a critical spirit.  My mind still fills with worry.  Self recrimination for past mistakes is still a constant mental companion.  So tired.  So defeated.

But after reading today's chapter, some light bulbs came on.  I have tried to change who I am.  I have been trying to make myself a better person.  Me helping me.  The problem is that the "me" that is helping me is just as weak and frail as the me, me is trying to help.

I don't ever remember reading the verse from Ezekiel that Max includes early on in the chapter.
Ezekiel 36:26-27  ²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ²⁷ And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  

I have gotten the cart before the horse.  I have been trying to change my actions in hope of realizing a heart change.  Not gonna' happen.  I must allow God to change my heart, then my actions/thoughts/attitudes/priorities will change.

I have been working for God, not allowing God to work in me.  Until I am able to realize and practice this truth on a daily basis, I will continue to be tired, weary and ultimately a Kingdom failure.

A parting thought from Max, "No prison is as endless as the prison of perfection."  (p. 69)  Perfection cannot be achieved this side of heaven, but genuine, God-pleasing change and growth are if we allow Him to do the work.