In his book, “The Root of the Righteous,” A.W. Tozer writes,
“Christians habitually weep and pray over beautiful truth, only to draw back from that same truth when it comes to the difficult job of putting it in practice.”
I read that today and was convicted by the Holy Spirit.
I LOVE when the Lord speaks to me. There is seriously NOTHING more exhilarating than hearing a personal word from the God of the Ages! He is so clear sometimes that it gives me goosebumps…
If you read my blog at all, you know that I have been studying and memorizing the book of Colossians this year, adding two verses every Sunday. The Lord has been very gracious to allow my mind to withhold the many, many words of Paul to the church at Colossae. The Lord has used this discipline (for lack of a better word–it actually has been one of the biggest joys of my life) to teach me and speak to me multiple times this year. (Stick with me, I’m going somewhere with this…)
Today, my verses are Colossians 4:5-6:
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
This is the first time in the book that Paul has directly addressed evangelism, non-believers, etc. So I spent my time going over them and got a pretty good handle on them.
Well, of course since today is Sunday, I went to church. My church has been doing a series called “Imperatives”–the essentials of the Christian journey. You may be able to see where I’m going, by this point. The “imperative” that was discussed today: sharing our faith…I was absolutely struck with God’s intricacy, intentionality, and willingness to teach me something. Filled with awe, encouragement, and enthusiasm, I told several friends how the Holy Spirit had graciously orchestrated those things in order to teach, lead, and speak to my heart. I left church knowing that we serve a living God, who joyfully and eagerly speaks to His children.
While I was relaxing by the pool this afternoon, I was reading the Tozer book that I quoted above and like I said, I was convicted. Here’s how: I was beside myself with excitement about how the Ancient of Days parted the heavens to speak to me, yet I hadn’t spent the crucial time asking Him what He wanted me to DO with what He said. I was reminded today that God doesn’t waste words. If He speaks, it is for a good reason, His reason. By His grace, He allows me to join Him in His purposes on this earth.
I repented. Can I ask you to pray with/for me as I seek to share my faith with the person God laid on my heart?
Do you find yourself embracing truth, yet rejecting the action that the truth requires? Are you an avid “hearer,” yet not a faithful “doer”? What have you heard from the Sovereign God, but not acted in obedience? I would love to hear your stories and how I can pray for you.
LOVE.
