May
the mumbling commence!
Yesterday,
we looked at the factor of attitude in our Christian growth. Today, we will continue in Philippians
chapter two (NLT) and look at another huge contributing factor in our Christian
growth – effort. Together attitude and
effort make up ninety-percent of the equation.
Read from Philippians chapter two:
Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my
instructions when I was with you. And
now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s
saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the
desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
(Verses 12-13)
Effort
is not bound to some outside source. Our
effort to live the Christian way of life should never be dependent upon someone
looking over our shoulders. It makes me
think about how some people, when they find out that I am a minister, try to
change their vocabulary and demeanor when they are around me. They will even apologize when they slip up
around me.
Our
living God does not desire some façade of effort. God wants us to be openly honest with
ourselves, with God, and with our Christian brothers and sisters. It is a humbling experience, but it is an
experience that opens the way for effort that is genuinely built upon an
interior motive rather than an exterior one.
God’s law of love should be written upon our hearts.
It
is hard work. And it takes a lot of
endurance and effort. That is why
attitude is so vital. That is why effort
is also vital.
But
there is Good News! God works within
us. God grants us the desire to obey Him. God grants us the power to do what pleases
Him.
We
are not alone. Give over the formation
of both your attitude and effort to God.
You’ll never live to regret it.
But you will live a life full of happiness and joy.
Enough
mumbling for now…
Peace
Out
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