“. . . be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9, 10 ESV
Let’s get serious – starting right here and right now, concerning ourselves– not just about the “life” that we want people to see, but about the life that is lived in secret before God alone: the moments that no human eyes see, along with the thoughts, the intentions, motivations, and the meditations of our hearts.
(Oh, search us, Lord God, and show us, that we may repent and return “in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” -Acts 3:19.)
God, the Holy Father, who loves us and wants what is best for us, is always presently present, AND God, the Son, is always interceding for us, an ever-present HELP. Let’s not quench (1 Thess. 5:19) or grieve (Eph. 4:30) the Holy Spirit whom we NEED desperately. Let’s live in authentic holiness– wanting “to please Him in all respects” and longing “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10), honestly living the holy life that God calls us to inside and out, seen by man or unseen, knowing that all is seen by our holy God who calls us to be holy in all our behavior as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15, 16). If He calls us to it, we can’t say that it isn’t expected of us or that it’s not possible.
Holiness – what a life goal! made up of moment-by-moment goals of obedience, depending upon the Presence and Power of the Living God in Whom “we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28).
Such a goal would certainly keep us on “the way that is narrow that leads to life” (Matthew 7:14), where there is abundance (John 10:10). May we not allow this promised abundance to be stolen away from us by “shiny things that distract” or by our own laziness or certainly not by this world and its foolish ways.
Let’s determine to know what that path of life is with a true knowledge of the Word, the “doctrine conforming to godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3), and may our lifework flow out of a heart of love for our Holy God, who has loved us so well and has provided all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2, 3).
May we live a holy life of “response” to our Heavenly Father.
We cannot be too serious about Him!
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Take some time with the Lord, with a pen in hand, and ask:
“What do I want people to see in my life that is not really authentically true of me when no one is watching?” Invite Jesus in to really show you every area. There is no hiding. Realize that you don’t want to hide anymore. Put pen to paper and hash this issue out honestly with Him.
Then repent. Name sin for what it is, lay it at the foot of the cross to die, and CHOOSE to rely upon the power of God within you to bring about the needed change.
Realize that if it is a godly “want” for your life, it can be authentically yours and true of you by the power of Christ in your life. Don’t give into the enemy’s “lies of impossibilities” that are only meant to rob you.
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it . . .’” Matthew 16:24, 25
Do you wish to come? Take any necessary steps.
What are your “today” action steps?
Prayerfully read through the book of Ephesians this week and journal through the truths found there. Believe Him. Take Him at His Word. Live.
So glad you are here today. I pray that this encourages you in some way for “life change”. If someone comes to mind that would be encouraged by this too, please share. And if you aren’t receiving these weekly devotionals in your inbox and would like to, let me know by clicking here.
And remember, you can see all the verses mentioned in their entirety as you hover over the references above.
