On the Spiritual Front
"The grave of sin and this world, is no place for those whom Christ has quickened; they must come forth. Lazarus was thoroughly revived, and returned not only to life, but to health. The sinner cannot quicken his own soul, but he is to use the means of grace; the believer cannot sanctify himself, but he is to lay aside every weight and hinderance. We cannot convert our relatives and friends, but we should instruct, warn, and invite them."
— Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 11:47-5
Upon much reflection and a lifetime of observing people, I've concluded that many who call themselves Christians lead limited lives (present company included).
I know, for a fact, in my own thinking I've found solace in the excuses I make for not being further along in all areas of my life: physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and financially. It's easier that way. It takes away the guilt.
And so, as the the writer of the Book of Hebrews so eloquently puts it, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." We love to blame the Enemy, the man or some other force outside of ourselves, as the reason we are not where we should be. When all along, it is the person we see in the mirror who is keeping us from going forward. (Ouch! I know I stepped on alot of toes with that one.)
With most of things that limit our lives, we are the source. But again, I know it makes us feel better and eases our consciences to put the blame on someone oth thing else.
Well folks, with much trepidation, I'm going to take a dose of my own preaching here. In the months ahead, I plan to report back here on how my life has grown/changed as I remove various self-imposed limits. It should be exciting.
Stay tuned...
