In thinking more about how the way these two approaches to life differ, I tried to clarify, in my mind, exactly what they mean to me in my daily life.
When my conscience informs me that all is not peaceful in my life, I realize that changes are needed. I have two choices about how I go about making those changes. It could be about adjustments I need to make in my attitude toward my Creator or towards others, or in the way I spend my time each day, in the way I dress, in the way I spend my money, in the friends that I associate with or whatever.
God has given me talents or abilities to solve problems. He expects me to use those gifts to live a good, Christian life. I have found that when I simply rely on my skills, I may succeed in making changes for a little while. My resolutions are often short lived. I become frustrated by my failures. I begin to think that God is disappointed with me. I have forgotten that God cares more about my connection[/B] with Him that in the perfection of my actions.
However, when I choose to use my expertise coupled with a prayer for God’s guidance, strength, and grace, I can do what I am called to do much more easily. He takes the talents that He gave me and transforms them by His strength. This takes practice in faith, relying on His power. Like every skill we learn, the more we practice relying on Him, the easier it gets from day to day.
When I believe, I enter into rest in God’s timing. I am at peace, not critical, not impatient, not worried, not angry, not negative. I am enjoying my everyday life.
I can make a law out of cleaning my house, out of prayer, out of Bible study, or going to church. There is a difference between legalism and discipline. Discipline is something we all need. Legalism is something we need to avoid like the plague.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 says that Christ gives us a new “Want To.” This truth says that God will make you or cause you to walk in His way. We can’t walk His way without a new “Want To.” God sees my heart. He sees my “Want To.” Then He counts it as if it were done. This is awesome. This is freedom. Jesus came to open prison gates and to set the captives free. We need to slow down when we know that we need to make changes in our lives. Take a little time in prayer to discern if those ideas are from God or not. We need to get good at discerning when God is calling us to change. It should not be based exclusively on some remark that a friend makes, or what a neighbor has complained about, or about my friends are doing.
If we try to make changes to keep up with the “Joneses,” we will become grouchy and cranky and we can’t seem to get along with anybody. We are not bearing the fruit of the Spirit. We are not bringing glory to the Father. John 15:8 tells us “My Father’s glory is shown by your bearing (not producing on your own) much fruit.
Jesus made it quite clear that we are to find HIM! His life is available to us, not as a role model, but as a way to heal our spirits back to God. We are to find in Him the means that our spiritual lives begin to work according to His plan for us. That where true happiness, enjoyment of life and peace are to be found. Amen