The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.

No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually. Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). He is saying, in essence, “Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.” The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before.

When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, “First . . . go . . ..” Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.

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July 27, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Obedience. This is hard Lord, perhaps even impossible. The things that I want to do I do not. The things that I ought to do I do not. But You lift me up Lord and set me right, even though I deserve none of it. Your mercy and grace astounds me. And when I am able to do the things that you command, when I find that I have accomplished something on behalf of Your kingdom, I am often proud of myself and of my spiritual growth and accomplishments. I look around and notice that I am more spiritual that that person, or that denomination. And just when I notice what a spiritual failure I am, You wash me in a sea of mercy and grace and tell me I am yours; and that you have already made me the man I need to be in Christ Jesus. Mine is to just surrender and let You live through me.

And God says…”Obedience is not an action I have chosen for you to simply keep you subservient to Me. Obedience is the easier way to life and life more abundantly. Many of your trials are trials that need not be. Many of your circumstances are circumstances that arise when you choose to follow another path. I do not necessarily punish you for your disobedience; you accomplish that by yourself by choosing your way and not mine. I love you and want you to live life and life more abundantly. When you choose to obey it means that you trust Me and have chosen the road I have laid out for you. When you first choose to seek My kingdom, the person of Jesus Christ, then all other things can be added unto you.”