Be doers of the Word [obey the Message],
And not merely listeners to it,
Betraying yourselves [into deception
By reasoning contrary to the Truth].
James 1:22 AMP
Of course, life will always continue to happen; but, all would go well with our soul if we lived for the honor and glory of God, for He is not only in possession of that “IN-TO-ME-SEE” knowledge we desire to receive about those things that must be spiritually discerned; He also possesses “IN-TO-ME-SEE” knowledge about ourselves and our human condition so we can experience wellness in our soul. We can easily delete pictures of ourselves that are not flattering, but there are images only God can help us reconcile.
There is a starting point for those who want to receive the wisdom they are lacking, Ask God! He gives generously to all without finding fault. How amazing is that! Job’s friends, like most people, were great fault-finders. God most definitely can help us overcome our harmful tendencies and behaviors if we are willing to adhere to His stipulations.
Transformational changes are experienced when we are willing to expend heaven’s currency by walking in faith. When we ask God, we must believe and NOT doubt (James 1:5). I can’t tell you how many times I told God I trusted Him, and I really, truly believed that I did, only to discover my behavior gave proof of my lack of trust in Him.
Why? Human nature has a proud and boastful stance. This stance doesn’t just provide a physical depiction of our nature, but one that reveals a heart hardened by vanity. We are bolstered by the strength of personal convictions such as we are in control, we desire control, we are right, because we are right we can fix things not just for ourselves but for others also….
Let’s take a look at what a heart engages in so our our personal convictions can be bolstered. The following are words closely associated with vanity: Ego, self-centeredness, smugness, self-importance, arrogance, conceit, self-love, pretense…
There are those who are too proud to seek
Or inquire of God!
In all their thoughts there is no room for God!
Psalm 10:4
Though they spread out their hands like a swimmer
Who spreads out their hands to swim;
God will bring down their pride
Despite the cleverness of their hands!
Isaiah 25:11
This is the desire of my heart – to share knowledge of God and His Word of Truth, Christ Jesus – so peace of heart and mind can be realized. Our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, behaviors, beliefs…have been affected and infected by the negativity not just generated by this fallen world but by a human heart – Anger, rebellion, bitterness, anxiety, hatred, bigotry….the list is long and debilitating.
Sadly, the Word of God can be nullified by our prideful stances: Pomp and ceremony and tradition, self-righteousness, pretense, dishonesty, insincerity, piousness…
Only God can soften a hardened heart, but we must be loyal and committed to drawing near to Him through His Word of Truth. There are things that happen in this world driven by the evil that dwells not only among us but within. This was never God’s plan for mankind. No one but God can help those who have suffered undeserved cruelty experience being set free. God has given us His Word, His promise “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” John 8:36.
We must allow Holy Spirit to reveal those images that are difficult to view because only God can bestow peace that transcends all understanding. The peace of God can and does quiet a troubled soul, for God’s Word of Truth opens our eyes to see who stands guard of our heart and mind, Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
I pray Christ Jesus is honored as God’s Word of Truth for then we place ourselves in a position to be strengthened and established in the faith and hope and love our heavenly Father bestows. How amazing to discover we are highly esteemed and honored by our heavenly Father when we choose to honor Him (1 Sam. 2:30 NKJV). Therefore, let us not just honor God with our lips, but with the entirety of our being.
If anyone serves Me, let them follow Me;
And where I am, there My servant will be also.
If anyone serves Me, My Father will honor them.
John 12:26 NKJV