A persistent fantasy?

If you asked me to heft 200 lbs of dead weight from the ground right at this moment, I could not do it! If you told me that my life would depend on my ability to heft that same load in six weeks, I could condition my body and strengthen my muscles for that task. It would require discipline and consistent training but it is not impossible. Christians tell me all the time, "I just cannot do what God wants me to do. It's impossible!" They're not talking about a call to go to Papua New Guinea as a missionary, either. They are claiming that they cannot forgive those who mistreat them, love their enemies, etc. They are right and wrong, at the same time. It is true that their spiritual life may be so out of shape that they truly cannot live the Christian life, however, it is not true that God is asking the impossible of them. What's missing? Spiritual disciplines that build spiritual strength.

Too often Christians mistakenly believe that they can 'just rely on the Spirit' to make them faithful, holy, and Christ-honoring people. There is this persistent fantasy that sincere tears shed in prayer and good intentions are all God needs to make people into solid disciples. This oft-told myth has created churches that are full of disappointed people who live in perpetual defeat, enslaved by their lusts, addictions, and emotions. Paul, the apostle who changed the world in which he lived, shows us a different way. "Run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, NLT)

Disciples who overcome temptation, whose lives are full of the beautiful, mature fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - Gal. 5:22) are not that way because they have done things to merit God's blessings. However, they enjoy a life with those qualities when they practice disciplines that allow the character of Christ Jesus to mature in their hearts and minds. To be sure, the seed of growth comes from the Holy Spirit, who 'makes us alive with Christ.' We cannot simply engage in practices that reform our lives because naturally we are dead to God, incapable of holiness and righteousness, except in the most superficial ways. But, having received the Spirit of life, we must do the daily work of spiritual formation, that will allow the character of Christ Jesus to be formed in us.

Disciple, chose today to begin to read the Scripture, to seek time in solitude where God can speak, to serve someone in humility, to give as an act of worship. Choose submission rather than self-expression.

Mediate on this Word today. He will use the Truth to change your life, if you'll allow Him to do so!
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ...as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:5-7, 12-14, NIV)
______________________

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Savior,
I know for sure all of my days
Are held in Your hand;
Crafted into Your perfect plan.
You gently call me into Your presence,
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit;
Teach me, dear Lord, to live all of my life
Through Your eyes.

I'm captured by Your holy calling,
Set me apart, I know You're drawing me
to Yourself;
Lead me, Lord, I pray.

Take me, mold me, use me, fill me;
I give my life to the Potter's hand.
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me;
I give my life to the Potter's hand.

Potter's Hand © 1997 Darlene Zschech (Hillsong) (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
CCLI License No. 810055