Message #MB392; Daily Devotional #4 - “Inside Out”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): In our daily attempt to walk “Under the Influence of Christ” we are often tested. So often it is easy to convince ourselves that we passed the test based on our outward actions. For example, it is (sometimes) easy to refrain from yelling at an errant driver, but if we will allow the anger to fill our hearts and minds unchecked then we have not passed the test. Jesus made it very clear in His teaching that sinning with our hearts and minds is the same as acting out the sins. “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…” (Matthew 5:21-22) The enemy knows our weaknesses and will present them to us throughout our daily walk. While running from sin (like Joseph from his master’s wife) may save us from adultery, we can commit the same sin just as easily by allowing lustful thoughts to gain a foothold in our thoughts, even in total privacy.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The goal of walking closer to the Lord is a remolding of the inside that will lead to changes on our outside. I would argue that the most difficult sins to avoid are those we are not aware we are committing. Though it may sound silly, we can all admit that there are things that we would not consider doing now that seemed alright earlier in our walk with God. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is when David asks the Lord to search his heart to cleanse it of weaknesses that he may not even know exist. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): As Christ Followers, we must daily strengthen our spirit through prayer and the Word. Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as a counselor, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:7-8) Throughout our daily walk we must be attuned to the Spirit and not ignore His convictions. Christian author Oswald Chambers wrote: "Conviction of sin is one of the rarest things that ever strikes a man. It is the threshold of an understanding of God. Jesus Christ said that when the Holy Spirit came He would convict of sin, and the Holy Spirit rouses the conscience and brings him into the presence of God…” As you fight your spiritual battles remember that the sins we commit outwardly are only symptoms of the real problem of sin in our hearts and minds.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): 1 Peter 1:7
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