“Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
by Arnold H. Glasow
True confession time.
I found this quote frustrating and misleading. I can't do anything "successful" in God's eyes on my own. Here's why:
I am a slug, interested in my own comfort and desires first.
But God, IN HIS GRACE, put a desire in my heart for something more. He whispered to my soul, "There is a better way." He ignited a spark saying, "Come."
Come.
All I can do is answer His call. Or not.
And even if I do answer yes, maturity will not happen overnight. I can't will myself into being a super Christian. I can't make myself produce good fruit. I need to be lit. There's only one way.
By the Holy Spirit.
I absolutely cannot do it on my own. I know. I've tried. And it doesn't work. The result is self-centered endeavors with no eternal value. I can't even be faithful on my own.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
GOD does the working. GOD does the "lighting." Being infused or "lit" by the Holy Spirit gives my efforts new life. Soothing words come easier. Decisions are made faster. Opportunities present themselves.
I can't light my own fire, but I can, and should, draw near to God, for in the drawing near I am filled with His Spirit. In His presence I gain strength and vitality.
Moments of communion with God do the lighting.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
Join Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus for more thoughts on this quote.
2 comments:
Oh, Tami, thank you for this. This post speaks largely to what my heart was feeling about this quote. It was sitting uneasy in my mind, but I could not put my finger on how/why.
I do still hope to write on the quote, in terms of taking chances in relationships. Haven't been able to get it done. I threw my back out and have not been able to sit at my computer, but I think, maybe, I've turned the corner to health again.
Thanks for your honesty of struggling with the assignment. And for your gracious pointing back to truth.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. What I was thinking about in the quote was these things don't just happen by chance. We can't expect it to just happen out of know where. It isn't us doing it but us allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Trust me I've tried on my own power and there was no flame, when I allowed God to do the lighting the fire was there. Thanks so much for sharing today.
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