Day: May 10, 2011

Take the Initiative

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Oswald Chambers 90x115by Oswald Chambers

. . . add to your faith virtue . . . —2 Peter 1:5

Add means that we have to do something. 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 nor sanctify ourselves— God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him. We have to do all that ourselves. We must “work out” our “own salvation” which God has worked in us (Philippians 2:12). Add means that we must get into the habit of doing things, and in the initial stages that is difficult. To take the initiative is to make a beginning— to instruct yourself in the way you must go.

Using God

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Greg Laurie 90x115by Greg Laurie

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.—Colossians 3:23-24

Sometimes people will attempt to use God for personal gain. They will invoke the name of Jesus Christ when they need something from people who believe in Him. Politicians are very fond of this. When that election cycle comes along, all of the sudden they are talking about their faith in God and how important their faith is to them. There will be that photo op where they are attending church. But I look at their voting record to see where they stand on issues that are important to me as a follower of Jesus Christ. Religious rhetoric isn’t going to cut it.