iHunger: A Closer Walk with God预览

Inside Job

I used to say that change is inevitable, but I had to amend that statement. Change in our surroundings is inevitable but changing ourselves is a choice. Seasons will change. Time will change. Technology will change, but if we are going to change it will require that we make a conscious effort to do so.      
                                                   
This past year our heating and AC unit stopped working. I called the repair men in to fix the problem. Upon their arrival I was intrigued by the fact that, although the unit was outside, they had to come inside the house to fix the problem. Even in our spiritual lives this is also evident. We often try to diagnose internal problems based on external symptoms! It is imperative that we deal with internal or heart issues, if you will. Think about it. If you have a tooth ache, the tooth ache is not really the problem; the hidden nerve is the problem. No one really has a weight problem, either they have an eating problem or a deeper medical issue.       
                                                                                                                                        As Christians, we must lear to deal with the root causes of our issues. Maybe you are overweight. Maybe you have a lying problem. Maybe you are a procrastinator. Maybe you have low self-esteem. I don't know your underlying issues, but I know mine and it is important for us to ask God to do an inside job. Yes, we may go to church. Yes, we look the part. Yes, we may know the right things to say, but when was the last time you had a heart exam (or check-up)?  We must make every day a “self-check” day so that we may walk in purity.     
                                                                                                                                        It is often easy to judge others based on what we see but, remember that, just as the root of problems are found inside, change also begins on the inside. I often say that change is like a seed. It may start under the surface but eventually it will be seen if it continues to grow. Here's the thing about judging....we would do it less if everyone would learn to examine themselves (2 Corinthians. 13:5). The next time you feel the urge to judge someone think about what could be happening on the inside. If all else fails, love is the key!                                                                                                      

Today’s Prayer Father, I want to be your vessel. There are things in my heart that stop me from being as effective as you have destined me to be. I pray, God, that you would do an inside job. Search my heart. Remove everything that is not like You and help me to be discerning and loving in my walk with You, alongside my peers. In your name, Amen.