Can't Means Won't November 18, 2014

Winning into Freedom 

     If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36 KJV

If there is any remnant of individual conceit left, it always says—“I can’t.” Personality never says—“I can’t,” but simply absorbs and absorbs. Personality always wants more and more. It is the way we are built. We are designed with a great capacity for God; and sin and our individuality are the things that keep us from getting at God. God delivers us from sin: we have to deliver ourselves from individuality, i.e., to present our natural life to God and sacrifice it until it is transformed into a spiritual life by obedience.

God does not pay any attention to our natural individuality in the development of our spiritual life. His order runs right across the natural life, and we have to see that we aid and abet God, not stand against Him and say—“I can’t do that.” God will not discipline us, we must discipline ourselves. God will not bring every thought and imagination into captivity; we have to do it. Do not say—“O Lord, I suffer from wandering thoughts.” Don’t suffer from wandering thoughts. Stop listening to the tyranny of your individuality, and get emancipated out into personality.

“If the Son . . . shall make you free . . .” Do not substitute “Saviour” for “Son.” The Saviour set us free from sin; this is the freedom of being set free by the Son. It is what Paul means in Galatians 2:20—“I have been crucified with Christ” (rv), his natural individuality has been broken and his personality united with his Lord, not merged but united; “ye shall be free indeed,” free in essence, free from the inside. We will insist on energy, instead of being energised into identification with Jesus.

Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 239-240). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

While I don't complete understand all that Chambers has written in today's entry (ie. personality vs individuality, losing one's individuality), the second paragraph hit me right between the eyes.  Saying to God, "I can't do that" is an affront to Him.  If He has directed you in a area, He will equip you.  If His word instructs "do",  you will have the resources to do that which He has commanded.

It is interesting to note that Chambers does not list big, glorious obediences in his writing.  Starting a ministry for lepers.  Traveling to inner-city Chicago to minister to the homeless.  Enrolling in seminary to begin a second career.  Chambers speaks to the daily "I can'ts".  He addresses those challenges we all face every day.

Additions to his list would include, "I just don't have the time for Bible study today."  "I just can't forgive him/her right now."  "We can't get the family ready for church each Sunday."  "I don't have the extra money for a tithe."

It is the height of hubris to think our "can'ts" trump God's "cans".  God will call.  God will lead.  God will convict.  But at the end of the day, it is your choice to obey or ignore.  Perhaps it is time to put on your big boy pants and quit hiding behind the "I can'ts".  Can't means won't.