Being from Texas, I am especially aware that rugged individualism and self-sufficiency are hallmarks of the American spirit. As a matter of fact, it's downright counter-intuitive to the American spirit to be dependent (you've seen the movies!) Yet, the gospel calls on us to depend on God instead of thinking we are self-sufficient (cf. Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 13:5-6).
Whom do you turn to in times of plenty? In times of scarcity? Let's be honest for a moment, here. When everything's sailing along, it's easy to put God on the "back-burner." We tend to get real comfortable. And that's the trouble. We get too comfortable! Before you know it, we start to forget about God (Deuteronomy 8:11-20). This, my dear readers, is when stubborn, unthankful hearts develop toward God (Psalm 78:5-11).
Luke 12: 15-21 tells us about the danger of trusting in self and material things; unfortunately a sad, and all too common tale. 2 Samuel 11:1-2 and Amos 6:1, 3-6 point out the dangers of self-indulgence. This is precisely what happens when we start forgetting, instead of turning to God.
We live in a self-centered world. God’s Word tells us that "there is none good; no, not one" (Psalm 53:3 NASB). Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1,4: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, more than lovers of God." Clearly, man has no difficulty loving self; the real problem is truly loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.
However, our plight is not totally hopeless. 2 Corinthians 3:5 says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." What is this telling you and I? All that we need is of God! He’s already placed within me, and within you, everything we need to be what God wants us to be, and what is needed to bring us to the place where God wants us to be! It’s already there!
All we have to do is learn to appropriate what God has already provided in us through his power, his presence, his Spirit and his blood! It’s all about Jesus; not about Me! I can’t do it myself; but Jesus within me can. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Of course, that doesn't give me the right to live in sin, or to live like the rest of the world that is lost in darkness; but sin has no dominion over me! All I have to do is trust in the power of Jesus’ blood and the power of sin is destroyed. All I have to do is take it to God and it’s g-o-n-e!
Look, I have to live in this world. I can’t always stop myself from the weakness of this flesh that constantly wants to have its way in opposition to what God desires of me. But though I may fail in this flesh; I am not overcome by the power of sin to condemn me. I am changed. I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb!
I don’t have to dwell in that sin, or live in condemnation; for Jesus in me is my hope and my salvation! He will lead me into righteousness. And by his blood I am set free; and he whom the Son has set free is truly free!
The power to overcome; the ability to live in sanctification; the power to be free is already there! Jesus said, “It is finished!”(John 19:30) The work of God in you is a finished work at Calvary. Jesus paid it all! He did for me what I could not do for myself. By the Grace of God, He set me free!
Christ in you is all sufficient. You lack nothing, need nothing more; and you never will. Everything is there already to give you an abundant life, an overcoming life, a victorious life in Christ.
The all-sufficient God will fully supply your needs when you make room for Him in your life (Philippians 4:19). For this we thank God forever and praise his wonderful name! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:5; John 15:5; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 12:3; Luke 9:23-24; Deuteronomy 4:2; Acts 4:12
Now, let's pray...
O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen
Until next time...
May your week be blessed!
Bibi
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