Take the Initiative
“Add” means there is something we have to do. We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do. We cannot save ourselves nor sanctify ourselves, God does that; but God will not give us good habits, He will not give us character, He will not make us walk aright. We have to do all that ourselves, we have to work out the salvation God has worked in. “Add” means to get into the habit of doing things, and in the initial stages it is difficult. To take the initiative is to make a beginning, to instruct yourself in the way you have to go.
Beware of the tendency of asking the way when you know it perfectly well. Take the initiative, stop hesitating, and take the first step. Be resolute when God speaks, act in faith immediately on what He says, and never revise your decisions. If you hesitate when God tells you to do a thing, you endanger your standing in grace. Take the initiative, take it yourself, take the step with your will now, make it impossible to go back. Burn your bridges behind you—“I will write that letter”; “I will pay that debt.” Make the thing inevitable.
We have to get into the habit of hearkening to God about everything, to form the habit of finding out what God says. If, when a crisis comes, we instinctively turn to God, we know that the habit has been formed. We have to take the initiative where we are, not where we are not.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 94-95). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
While I would hesitate to call our relationship with God a partnership because a partnership denotes an equality between parties. To consider ourselves equal to God is at best foolhardy and at worst blasphemy. However, God and His children each have their roles in the relationship.
These past several weeks at work have been trying. Not only are the demands of the job greater than ever, there have been some personnel issues that have taken their toll on my peace and sleep. These things have driven me into a deeper level of prayer, but I have also allowed them to create a sense of inactivity.
There are currently many deadlines and projects that need my attention. Yet, I have had periods of non-productivity at work. Chambers' entry today reminded me that God calls us to action not just in the spiritual realm, but in this world as well. Chambers speaks of working out our salvation, (Philippians 2:12), but he also advises "Be resolute when God speaks, act in faith immediately on what He says. . .write that letter. . .pay that debt." Jesus wishes to touch every area of our lives. The prayerful and the professional. The spiritual and the ordinary. The holy and the human.
We are to allow Him to develop and direct both our spiritual and secular habits. Skipping daily prayer and Bible study is no less damaging to our relationship with Him than disregarding His direction about our diet or work habits. Habits both good and bad are developed one action or inaction at a time. Let's make sure our habits are pleasing to Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment