OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES (II)
”Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation.“
During a fellowship with the brethren, someone spoke a very powerful statement that ties into what we have been learning: every virtue of God that you do not love is a work. In other words every thing you do, even if by nature it is good and Godly, but you do not genuinely love it, ultimately becomes a dead work.
When the Bible speaks of works, it is anything man does or attempts to do to earn something from God. In our theme scripture the prophet Isaiah speaks of reaping the benefits of salvation WITH JOY.
Joy is an integral part of our journey with spiritual disciplines. It is, likewise like the sun and the rain for the farmer, we cannot produce joy, we maintain a heart posture that fosters joy. It is not to be mistaken with happiness because happiness is entirely dependent on what is happening around and for you.
If your giving is without joy, it is pointless no matter the amount or frequency. If your fasting is with drudgery and counting days, it is indeed vain. If your loving others is only to the extent they love you back or to how much you feel good about yourself, it is a work.
The point is, this joy can only be expressed to the extent that God’s gracious work has taken over our inner man and transformed the naturally ingrained sinful habits and patterns in our lives. The compassion that was once hard becomes effortless, the patience that seemed polar distant is exhibited even before you purpose to.
Our nature becomes so attuned to its maker that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control flow from the very sanctuary that is our life ().
God’s gift, if well received makes such changes real. Receive then, from God. Let all the striving cease!
Prayer: Father I thank you for this wisdom. I am a man/ woman greatly helped by grace. Your spirit in me carries me in every good work and instructs me in the ways of righteousness. My part is to yield and be transformed, shining brighter and brighter into a marvelous light, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
