Times Haven't Changed

“Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us”

How much more true is this statement today than the day that it was originally stated?  Technology, convenience, comfort and luxury have set us apart from God to the point that there is a feeling of independence from the Creator of the world.  Every single day we take for granted that we are here not because we chose to be here, but because He chose for us to be.  Consider the very life that you are trying to fulfill and the goals you are trying to achieve – are they focused on the will of God Almighty or on your personal acclamations?  

Over and over again, the scriptures tell us of God’s divine plan.  Yet some struggle each day, wondering what their purpose is.  If it is God’s purpose you seek in life, than take it upon yourself to pursue it.  Matthew 28:19 tells you clearly the purpose of your life – “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.”  Must we chose to complicate His message by interjecting our desires into the task at hand?  God’s will is articulated through Paul the Apostle in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 which states, “..in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” and again in Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men”

I am driven by the same confusion, and unwillingness to give up my fleshly desires to truly pursue what I know God wants from me.  Do you question what it is that God wants you to do, or like me, are you comfortable in your own pursuit of your desires to actually take Him up on His?  We have a tendency to over-think these questions in life because of our pursuit and desire to achieve worldly success.  In doing so we have become self-sufficient and less dependent on God in our life.  The more independent we become in life, the less effective we become on fulfilling God’s purpose in our life.  Just as Abraham Lincoln stated in his prayer in 1863 (quoted above), nearly 150 years ago, we have become intoxicated on our own success and lost sight of God’s grace.  In the end, this will be our demise as the body of Christ. 

Therefore, take a stand and look to God each day for His direction.  Not for show, but in thoughtful and diligent prayer.  Seek His counsel in decisions, actions and pursuit of success.  Make yourself available to execute His will in your life.  This is what Paul and the disciples of Jesus Christ discovered in the early church.  They were willing to give up their desires and live for God.  We need to rekindle this spirit of apostleship in the world today.  Are you in or not?  Don’t over-think it, it requires an answer - yes or no.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
Forgive me for walking away from Your purpose in life.  Forgive me for putting my needs before Yours and not trusting in You. Help me to continually focus on Your kingdom and spreading Your truth.  I long to serve You in this world and bring You glory through my works.  Let my hands and mind be busy with Your purpose, Lord, that others might come to know You as their Lord and Savior.  Thank You for grace that covers my unrighteousness and grants me eternal peace with You.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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