Impulsiveness or Discipleship? 10-21-2010

October 21st, 2010 by JDVaughn Leave a reply »

Impulsiveness or Discipleship?

October 21, 2010
 
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith . . . —Jude 20
 

There was nothing of the nature of impulsive or thoughtless action about our Lord, but only a calm strength that never got into a panic. Most of us develop our Christianity along the lines of our own nature, not along the lines of God’s nature. Impulsiveness is a trait of the natural life, and our Lord always ignores it, because it hinders the development of the life of a disciple. Watch how the Spirit of God gives a sense of restraint to impulsiveness, suddenly bringing us a feeling of self-conscious foolishness, which makes us instantly want to vindicate ourselves. Impulsiveness is all right in a child, but is disastrous in a man or woman—an impulsive adult is always a spoiled person. Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.

Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he “followed Him at a distance” on dry land (Mark 14:54). We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises—human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes.

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October 21, 2010

When I am waiting on the Lord, I often wonder why He waits so long to intervene. My head recalls the scriptures that remind me that patience provides the reward, but my heart and soul cry out for God to intercede right now.

And God says…”Just like the physical training you are engaged in to shape your body, your inner man requires shaping and development that can only be achieved through patience and trials. Inside these trials remember that I allowed the trial to reach you, because I love you more than you can ever imagine. My love for you dictates all that I do and all that I allow to touch you. If I would give up My Son for you, imagine the depths of My love. Focus on My love and the gift of Jesus, and take your eyes off of the trial and circumstance. When you do this yuou will exchange your waiting for peace that passes understanding.”

At present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials.  This is no accident. It happens to prove your faith which is infinitely more valuable than gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Cor. 2:9

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