Friday, May 20, 2011

Disciplined Dependence

"Sometimes we are told, 'We are in a spiritual battle. As soldiers of the cross we must be disciplined; we must put effort and sacrifice into the Christian life.' Then perhaps a week later, another Christian appears to say the opposite. 'I was working too hard at being a Christian; God showed me that I must just hang loose - rest in the Lord.'
Though these viewpoints appear contradictory, they really are not. Only a Christian disciplined in the Word of God can rest in the Lord. Yes, we can cease our striving and learn to relax in the confidence that God is equal to every situation. But a lazy, undisciplined Christian cannot do this; he falls apart at the seems when tragedy strikes. The believer who is like a tree planted by rivers of water is the one who meditates on the Law of God every free moment; his thoughts turn to the Word of God like a magnet."

Isaiah 26:3-4 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."

*excerpt from Winning the Inner War by Erwin W. Lutzer

4 comments:

  1. I absolutely love this post! It's so true and I really needed it :)

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  2. The modern day doctrine of "let go and let God" is a dangerous one. We are saved by grace but also exhorted to faithful obedience and growth in Christlikeness. Putting to death the "old man" (sinful nature)and growing in Christlikenes means war! Philippians 2:12 says
    Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

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  3. Another thought - our witness involves growing in Christlikeness, which means giving away our lives for Christ and to others. He came as a servant and we are to follow His example. We cannot do this in our own power. We have nothing and are nothing without Him. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, not those who simply "let go" and expect an easy Christian life to ensue. You cannot have a successful prayer life simply by "letting go." You cannot be delivered from the self-obsession of our age simply by letting go. We are saved by grace, kept by grace. He chastens those He loves in order that they might be vessels fit for His use.

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