I have to say that I absolutely LOVE this portion of today's "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers! Though I may say this in a different way, I couldn't say it any better!
Add to your faith virtue. . . ("Furnish your faith with resolution.") (MOFFATT.)" —2 Peter 1:5
"Add" means there is something we have to do. We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do. We cannot save ourselves nor sanctify ourselves, God does that; but God will not give us good habits, He will not give us character, He will not make us walk aright. We have to do all that ourselves, we have to work out the salvation God has worked in. "Add" means to get into the habit of doing things, and in the initial stages it is difficult. To take the initiative is to make a beginning, to instruct yourself in the way you have to go.
We have to get into the habit of hearkening to God about everything, to form the habit of finding out what God says. If when a crisis comes, we instinctively turn to God, we know that the habit has been formed. We have to take the initiative where we are, not where we are not.
Spiritual growth takes time, just as natural growth does. We sow the seeds of the Word of God in our hearts, then water that seed with meditation, prayer and praise. We act on the Word of God by beginning to DO what the Word says to do. As born again believers, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit as our Teacher, Who will show us how to put the Word into practice in our own individual lives. Receiving the INFILLING of the Holy Spirit puts us in position to have a greater understanding of the Word of God, and a greater ability to put it into practice, IF we are STAYING filled on a daily basis (Ephesians 5:18)! Make sure that YOU are taking full advantage of all that our Father has provided for us under our new and better Covenant (Hebrews 8:6) so that YOU can become a better and more effectual Minister of LIFE! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Children of the Light" to remind us of OUR responsibility!
Shalom in Him!
