T H E O P H I L U S

Caution against recklessness and self-righteousness is a wisdom that we ought to take to heart most vigilantly. In contrast, this does not undermine our need for a passion to serve the Lord. We ought to fervently be seeking and serving the Lord with utmost exuberance. What we must take heed and warning against is our seeking and serving the Lord for any ulterior motive. That we are not simply living religiously for a sense of righteousness and glory in ourselves. Today, I will write on two important spiritual practices that we must hold dearly to and be assured by everyday: Repentance and Rejoicing.

3. Repentance

A voice of one calling in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’

Luke 3:4-6

A heart that continually has a repentant heart makes room for humility. A sign of humility is that we are teachable and are constantly at a state of growth in character. Recklessness and self-righteousness are poor signs of repentance. In fact, the counting of one’s merits saying “look what I have done!” or “look what I can do!” is hardly making a way for the Lord. When we “make way for the Lord” in our lives, we are essentially saying “God you do what you will with me. I am weak, but you are strong.” It is in those moments of repentance we are truly able to have the Holy Spirit work in us. That is the reason a repentant heart is of greatest importance in the Christian journey. It helps us not only to look at our smallest to greatest flaws, but leaves our heart and mind open to the Lord to form us and lead us. We ought to be radically repentant.

4. Rejoicing

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

 Philippians 2:14-16

A truly repentant heart is also reflected in rejoicing. Not one that nags and complains when things are not going our way – because that is a sure sign that we are not in it for the right reasons! We are called to rejoice not just when the running is good, but when everything is running out.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

– Philippians 4:4-5

If you find yourself grumbling more than you rejoice daily, then it is likely you are far from a repentant relationship with God. Though our lives may not be looking good, the significance we place in our lives does not hang on our circumstances. They depend on the Grace of our God. The truer meaning of God’s grace shines far brighter in darkness than only in the shining lights of prosperity. This is because our significance in life is not about how things are going my way, but rejoicing because God still has his way in us – that we are loved and are saved by the blood of His Son – and none can take that away! So when we think about how bad our circumstances may be, we can think about the Lord and how he has saved us. Radical rejoicing is choosing to have the light of Jesus shine in our most darkest hours.

PRAYER

As you spend time in prayer with the Lord, begin with a heart of repentance. If we have been grumbling and complaining, then it is likely we need to repent.  Just as importantly, take the time to rejoice in the goodness of His promises. Be reminded of his grace, and give thanksgiving to the Lord especially for the people and things we most often take for granted.