Joshua 2:11     And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

Nahum 1:5     The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it.

Psalms 115:3     Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

2 Peter 3:10-12     But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,  waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

Psalms 37:13     but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.

Proverbs 1:26     I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you,

Jeremiah 50:27    ………. Woe to them, for their day has come, the time of their punishment.

 

Psalm 46:1-11      God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil. There is a river its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High. God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns. Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth. He makes wars cease throughout the earth. He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces; he sets wagons ablaze. “Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”  The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Psalm 47:2-4      For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet. He chooses for us our inheritance the pride of Jacob, whom he loves.

Psalm 47:7-9    Sing a song of wisdom, for God is King of the whole earth. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the peoples have assembled with the people of the God of Abraham. For the leaders of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

 

Psalms 2:1-4     Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,  “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”  He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.

Isaiah 8:9-10    Be broken, you peoples, and be shattered; give ear, all you far countries; strap on your armor and be shattered; strap on your armor and be shattered.  Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.

Isaiah 37:36     And the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.

 

Reflections on Patience, Faith, and Divine Timing

2Pe 3:8-9      But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

 

The journey of prayer is often characterized by moments of deep longing, patient waiting, and the testing of our faith. It can feel as though our most fervent prayers linger at the gates of heaven, hesitating there until the Lord chooses to answer in His perfect time. The experience of waiting for an answer is not unfamiliar to those who walk closely with God; it is, in fact, a common thread woven through the lives of saints throughout the ages.

God’s Sovereignty in Answering Prayer

The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, sometimes chooses to test the strength and sincerity of our faith through delayed responses to our prayers. It is not uncommon for devoted believers to find themselves, like Jeremiah, feeling as though God has “covered himself with a cloud,” seeming to bar their prayers from reaching His presence. Yet, these moments are not a reflection of the unworthiness of the prayer or its lack of fervor, but rather the sovereign will of a loving God. He dispenses blessings according to His own perfect pleasure, and, as humble petitioners, we are invited to trust His timing above our own desires.

The Purpose of Delay

Delays in prayer are not to be mistaken for denials. Just as a wise king does not grant every request as soon as it is made, so God, in His loving wisdom, may delay answering us to refine our faith, cultivate patience, and deepen our dependence on Him. The silence that sometimes follows our petitions is the space in which our faith is tested and strengthened.

Divine Record-Keeping

Every prayer uttered in faith is cherished and preserved by God. Rather than being lost in the winds of time, our prayers are carefully kept in the archives of heaven. The Lord treasures every tear and every groan, recording them as precious tokens of our trust and our longing. These are not overlooked or disregarded, but stored until the appointed time of fulfillment.

Encouragement for the Waiting Soul

For those who have waited long without reply, take heart: unanswered prayers are not unheard prayers. The God of truth remains faithful and will honor the petitions of His people in due season. The patience exercised in waiting is not in vain, for God’s timing is always better than our own. In the fullness of time, the Lord will appear, bringing joy to the soul and replacing sorrow with rejoicing. The sackcloth and ashes of waiting will be exchanged for the garments of fulfillment and praise.

Conclusion

The waiting of prayer is a sacred process, one that invites us to trust in the character of God and His loving sovereignty. Though the answers may tarry, they are never forgotten. Let us, then, wait with hope, knowing that our petitions are safely kept and will be honored in the perfect timing of our King. (Spurgeon)

 

Selwyn Hughes on “With Much Wisdom Comes Much Sorrow”

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18  I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted. I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Introduction

The passage from Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, especially verse 18—”For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief”—serves as a profound meditation on the limits of human understanding and the burdens that often accompany the pursuit of wisdom. Selwyn Hughes, reflecting on this text, brings to light the tension between the desire for knowledge and the reality of sorrow that can follow in its wake.

Vivid Illustrations and the Reality of Life

Hughes notes that Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, uses vivid imagery to pierce through our natural defenses against harsh truths. People, as T. S. Eliot observed, often cannot bear too much reality. Psychologists warn that stripping away defenses too quickly can lead to despair, yet Solomon is unflinching in his examination of life’s apparent futility. He repeats, with conviction, that life “under the sun”—life viewed from a purely earthly perspective—is ultimately meaningless.

The Futility of Intellectual Pursuit

Solomon’s journey to find purpose leads him to serious study and intellectual inquiry. However, he discovers that trying to grasp the meaning of life through intellect alone is, in his words, like “chasing after the wind.” This metaphor powerfully conveys the frustration and elusiveness of ultimate answers. As Moffatt translates, “The more you understand the more you ache.” Hughes underscores that education and knowledge, while valuable, are not sufficient to provide lasting meaning or fulfillment.

The Limits and Dangers of Education

Malcolm Muggeridge, a highly educated man himself, is quoted by Hughes as calling education “the great mumbo and fraud of the ages.” Muggeridge cynically observes that education is often seen as a cure-all for society’s problems, but in practice, it can simply serve to amplify ignorance, inflate egos, and render people more susceptible to manipulation. This critique highlights the limitations of education when it is divorced from deeper spiritual or moral foundations.

Lloyd George’s succinct summary, “Education without God makes clever devils,” reinforces the idea that intellectual attainment, if not grounded in spiritual wisdom, can lead to greater harm rather than good. Knowledge alone does not guarantee virtue or happiness; in fact, it can sometimes deepen our awareness of the world’s brokenness and our own limitations.

The Search for Meaning Beyond Knowledge

The reflections offered by Hughes challenge us to consider the true source of meaning in life. While wisdom and learning are valuable pursuits, they are not sufficient ends in themselves. Ecclesiastes teaches that the search for meaning must go beyond intellectual achievement to embrace spiritual realities. Without a relationship with God, even the greatest wisdom can leave us empty and sorrowful.

Conclusion

Selwyn Hughes’ meditation on Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 prompts us to reflect on the limits of human wisdom and the importance of a spiritual foundation. The pursuit of knowledge is noble, but without grounding in faith and purpose beyond ourselves, it risks leading to greater sorrow and grief. As we seek understanding, we must also seek the wisdom that comes from God, which alone can bring true meaning and peace to our lives.

O God, save me from the mistake of believing that life is to be found in deep or profound thinking. Help me see that life is to be found in first knowing You, then thinking Your thoughts after You. Teach me to think as You think, dear Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

Hebrews 10:22  let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

An Examination of George Bowen’s Reflections on Spiritual Proximity

Introduction

The phrase “Let us draw near with a true heart” from Hebrews 10:22 invites believers to approach God with sincerity and authenticity. George Bowen’s meditation on this verse challenges us to consider what it truly means to “draw near” and why so many find themselves distant from God despite earnest supplication.

Understanding the Call to Draw Near

The biblical exhortation to “draw near” is not merely an invitation to pray or communicate with God in a routine sense. It is a call to genuine intimacy, to approach God’s throne with a heart unclouded by pretense or superficiality. Bowen suggests that if we were to examine the nearness of a thousand individuals, we would find them scattered at varying distances from God—most far away, and perhaps only one truly close to the throne of grace. This observation challenges us to reflect on the nearness, authenticity, and depth of our desire to be near to God, and to listen, wait, follow, obey, trust, and rely upon and in Him.

Barriers to Drawing Near

Bowen identifies several obstacles that hinder believers from achieving true closeness with God. These barriers are both internal and external, and they subtly undermine the believer’s capacity to approach God wholeheartedly. The following are key hindrances he discusses:

• Inherited Habit of Unbelieving Prayer: Many carry the legacy of prayers uttered without genuine faith, a habit passed down through generations. Such prayers lack the conviction and expectation that God will respond.
• Supineness of the Soul: Spiritual lethargy or indifference can sap the energy needed for earnest seeking. When the soul is passive, it fails to actively pursue the presence of God.
• Worldly Care: The burdens and anxieties of everyday life often crowd out spiritual pursuits, making it difficult to focus on God.
• Worldly Joy: Even positive experiences and pleasures can distract from the deeper satisfaction found in God’s presence, causing believers to settle for less.
• Inappreciation of Possible Blessing: A lack of awareness or appreciation for the blessings available in communion with God leads to half-hearted approaches.
• Fear of Discovering Unheeded Responsibilities: Some avoid drawing near lest they be confronted with duties or changes God may require of them.
• Want of Realization of God’s Personality: Without a vivid sense of God’s reality and character, prayer becomes abstract and impersonal, robbing it of its transformative power.

Bowen notes that this list is not exhaustive, as “a multitude of others” may further impede spiritual progress. Each believer must identify and confront these obstacles in their own life.

The Path Forward: Cultivating Proximity

To truly draw near to God, believers must address the hindrances outlined above and cultivate a heart that is open, sincere, and receptive. This requires intentional effort and a willingness to examine one’s motives and habits. The following steps may aid in this pursuit:

1. Practice Honest Prayer: Move beyond routine words and seek authentic dialogue with God, expressing doubts, hopes, and needs openly.
2. Engage in Self-Examination: Regularly assess spiritual health and confront areas of complacency or distraction.
3. Prioritize Spiritual Disciplines: Set aside time for prayer, meditation, and worship, making these central to daily life.
4. Seek Greater Awareness of God’s Presence: Reflect on the attributes and personality of God, fostering a sense of awe and intimacy.
5. Embrace Responsibility: Be willing to respond to God’s guidance, even when it leads to uncomfortable change or growth.

Conclusion

The invitation to “draw near with a true heart” is both a challenge and a promise. It calls believers to move beyond surface-level spirituality and pursue genuine intimacy with God, overcoming the many obstacles that stand in the way. As George Bowen observes, the journey toward the throne of grace is often hindered, but those who persist in seeking God with sincerity may find themselves among the few who truly experience His nearness.

 

Artificial refers to something created or produced by humans, rather than something that occurs in nature, and often serves as an imitation of a natural object or process.

When considering artificial intelligence (AI), I think many people misunderstand what it truly is. AI is essentially a set of instructions—a process or series of rules known as an algorithm—that a computer follows to perform calculations or solve problems. These algorithms leverage immense computational power to access and organize data from a vast array of sources, all within the boundaries set by the algorithm’s design.

But who creates these algorithms? They are written by individuals. The way an algorithm is crafted determines the results it produces. The person designing the algorithm can introduce bias, either intentionally or unintentionally, shaping the output to favor certain perspectives or limit others. This potential for bias in AI-generated results is an important factor we need to keep in mind.

The term “artificial intelligence” describes the rapid processing of these algorithms, which are developed by people or teams. Some algorithms are capable of dramatically accelerating research and problem-solving in fields like medicine, engineering, biology, and history—leading to what we refer to as AI.

It’s important to understand that computers themselves do not possess intelligence. They simply run these algorithms at speeds far beyond what humans or groups of people could achieve on their own.

Reflecting on the invention of the printing press, it’s remarkable how it revolutionized access to the Bible, placing Scripture directly into people’s hands. This breakthrough paved the way for educational materials, scholarly resources, and the development of standards that influenced learning across disciplines. It also marked the beginning of widespread news dissemination. While the original purpose was noble and positive, it’s sobering to realize that these same advancements have sometimes been misused by individuals with harmful intentions, resulting in the spread of negative or corrupt content.

Similarly, the invention of the camera enabled us to document the beauty of creation and the diverse experiences of humanity. However, it’s disheartening to see that such technology has also been exploited to produce images and content that reflect the darker side of human nature. The same holds true for the movie camera, which has been used both to promote uplifting, moral messages and, conversely, to convey messages that are harmful or immoral.

Fast-forward to the modern era with inventions like computers, the internet, and social media—these tools can be harnessed for good or for ill, supporting both constructive and destructive purposes, moral and immoral, spiritual and secular.

When you consider all these advancements—the printing press, camera, electricity, microphone, movie camera, television, computer, and internet—it’s both astonishing and concerning to recognize their dual potential. Throughout history, it seems that whatever knowledge or technological capability humanity has acquired, there has been the opportunity for both positive and negative applications. What is intended for good can also be appropriated for morally wrong purposes.

Over the past four decades, technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate. Humanity has used these innovations for both beneficial and harmful ends, and the boundary between the two is often difficult to discern. Frequently, actions or materials that were once considered unacceptable or inappropriate become normalized within a decade or so, even when they should remain objectionable. Disturbingly, those who ought to uphold higher standards may instead become complacent or even complicit in this gradual shift away from what is good. This trend is often accompanied by a superficial familiarity with spiritual teachings, which has unfortunately become commonplace for many.

Malcolm Muggeridge wrote this in the 90’s: “Education – the great mumbo and fraud of the ages,” says this highly educated man, “purports to equip us to live and is prescribed as a universal remedy for everything from juvenile delinquency to premature senility. For the most part it serves to enlarge stupidity, inflate conceit, enhance credulity and puts those subjected to it at the mercy of brainwashing with printing presses, radio and television …”

Should we be concerned with AI? If we are deeply committed to live in such a way that we seek and desire to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all of our thoughts, words, and actions, continually listen for and desire to hear the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit’s leading, remain faithfully hungering and thirsting, (feasting and drinking) in the Word of God, growing in awareness of sin, to know what it means to confess and REPENT, live in the ever present awareness of God, maturing in knowledge and understanding of the Word of God and things of God, and see fruits of the Holy Spirit mature and ripen in our lives, then AI will be seen for what it is, a tool for this world to use either for good or bad reasons.
On the other hand, if we are lukewarm, complacent, and neglectful there is much to be concerned about.

 

Romans 8:9 “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.”

 

Understanding Our Identity in Christ Through the Words of T. Austin-Sparks

The Christian life is often marked by an inner struggle between our old nature and the new life we have received through Christ. T. Austin-Sparks, in his meditation “Dead and Buried,” draws upon Romans 8:9 (NIV): “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” This passage invites us to consider the reality of our identity in Christ and the ongoing battle to keep our focus on Him, rather than on ourselves.

The Line of Division: Ourselves Versus Christ in Us

Austin-Sparks highlights a major problem for many believers: maintaining a clear distinction between what we are in ourselves and what Christ is in us. The enemy’s strategy is to continually bring our shortcomings and failures to the forefront, hoping to occupy our minds with self-condemnation and distraction. This tactic obscures the presence and work of Christ within us, leading to confusion and discouragement.

In contrast, the Holy Spirit’s purpose is to direct our attention to Christ, making Him the center of our lives and thoughts. The Spirit works to diminish our preoccupation with ourselves, so that Christ’s life and character shine through us. The challenge is to resist the persistent pull toward self-focus and instead allow the Spirit to keep Christ in view.

God’s Perspective: Viewing Us Through Christ

According to Austin-Sparks, when Christ dwells within us, God sees us through the lens of His Son. In Christ, we embody God’s purpose and thought, and His interactions with us are shaped by the presence of Christ within. This means our standing before God is not based on our personal merits or failures, but on Christ’s finished work and ongoing life in us.

This truth is transformative: it shifts our focus from striving to be good enough to resting in the sufficiency of Christ. It is not what we are in ourselves that matters, but who Christ is in us. God’s dealings with us, His blessings, and His purposes are all rooted in the reality of Christ indwelling us by the Holy Spirit.

Death and Resurrection: The Firstborn Principle

Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the concept of the “Firstborn” is inseparable from death and resurrection. Christ’s death represents the end of our old nature—what we are by birth and in ourselves. His resurrection marks the beginning of new life, the life that pleases God and stands before Him. From God’s standpoint, our old selves are “dead and buried,” and only Christ, the risen One, lives before Him.

This perspective challenges us to adopt God’s viewpoint: to regard our old nature as buried and to embrace our new identity in Christ. It is a call to faith—to believe that our failures and weaknesses are no longer the basis of our relationship with God. Instead, our life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3), and we are invited to live in the freedom and confidence that comes from being united with Him.

Living in the Spirit: Practical Implications

Romans 8:9 makes it clear that believers are no longer controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in them. This new control means that our daily lives can be marked by victory over sin and self, not through our own strength, but through the power of the indwelling Christ.

• Freedom from Self-Condemnation: We can let go of guilt and shame, knowing that our old self is dead and buried in God’s sight.
• Confidence in God’s Acceptance: God’s view of us is shaped by Christ in us, not by our personal shortcomings.
• Empowerment for Holy Living: The Holy Spirit enables us to live out the character and life of Christ, overcoming the pull of the old nature.
• Purpose in God’s Plan: Our lives have meaning and direction because we are part of God’s purpose in Christ.

Conclusion

The message of “Dead and Buried” is a powerful reminder that our identity and standing before God are rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. The enemy may seek to draw our attention back to our failures, but the Spirit points us to Christ, who is our life. By faith, we can embrace God’s perspective and live in the reality that our old nature is dead and buried, and Christ alone lives in us. Let us hold fast to this truth and allow it to shape our daily walk, knowing that we are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit of God.

 

Psalms 111:5  “He hath given meat unto them that fear Him: He will ever be mindful of His Covenant.”

A Covenant He Remembers

Charles Spurgeon, often referred to as the “Prince of Preachers,” offered profound reflections on the steadfastness of God based on Psalms 111:5: “He hath given meat unto them that fear Him: He will ever be mindful of His Covenant.” This passage speaks not only to God’s provision of physical needs but also to His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

God’s Provision for His Children

Throughout history, those who fear and honor God have never been left wanting. Spurgeon reminds us that whether God’s people wandered in the wilderness, hid by the brook Cherith, or languished in captivity and famine, the Lord consistently provided for them. The same God who supplied daily bread to Israel continues to care for His people today. Our present needs are known to Him, and we can trust that He will provide our daily bread, just as He always has.

The Greater Blessings of the Covenant of Grace

Beyond physical sustenance, the covenant of grace assures us of even greater blessings. God does not withdraw His promises or regret His covenant. Even when we stray or provoke Him, He remains faithful. His commitment to love, keep, and comfort His people is as certain as the covenant itself. Spurgeon emphasizes that not a single word of God’s promise will fail: every aspect of His covenant is fulfilled with perfect faithfulness.

The Mindfulness of God Versus Our Forgetfulness

We, as humans, are often forgetful of God’s goodness and promises. In contrast, God is always mindful of us. He cannot forget His covenant, nor His Son, Jesus Christ, who secured that covenant, nor His Spirit, who applies its blessings. Even God’s own honor is entwined with the fulfillment of His covenant, making it an unbreakable promise.

The Security of the Believer

Because God’s covenant is sure, believers are secure in their divine inheritance. The phrase “a covenant of salt” speaks to the enduring and unchanging nature of God’s promise. No believer will lose what God has given, for His faithfulness forms the foundation of our hope and assurance.

Conclusion

Spurgeon’s meditation on Psalms 111:5 invites us to rest in the confidence that God remembers His covenant. He provides for our needs, both physical and spiritual, and remains ever faithful. As we reflect on our own forgetfulness, let us rejoice that our God never forgets—His covenant stands firm, and His blessings will not fail.

 

Ephesians 4:15  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Mrk 4:26-29  And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Ephesians 4:13  until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:12  Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

Col 2:17-19  These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

2 Peter 3:18  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Growing Up in Christ

A Reflection on Spiritual Maturity and Unity

Samuel Bagster

Spiritual growth is a central theme throughout the New Testament, encouraging believers to mature in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Samuel Bagster’s selection of verses highlights this journey, drawing attention to the process of becoming more like Christ and the importance of unity, humility, and dependence on Him. This reflection explores these themes, using the provided Bible verses as a guide for understanding what it means to “grow up in all things into Him Who is the head – Christ.”

The Process of Spiritual Growth

The Christian life is often described as a journey or a process. Mark 4:28 illustrates this with the imagery of growth in agriculture: “First the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.” Spiritual maturity does not happen overnight; it is a gradual transformation. Ephesians 4:15 exhorts believers to grow up in every way into Christ, emphasizing that He is the ultimate example and source of our growth. Each stage of spiritual development brings us closer to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13), reminding us that the goal is not mere self-improvement, but Christlikeness.

Unity and Knowledge in Christ

Growth in Christ is not just an individual pursuit; it is also a collective one. Ephesians 4:13 speaks of coming to “the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” As believers mature, they are drawn together in faith and understanding, forming a community that reflects the character of Christ. This unity is essential for the body of Christ to function effectively and to be a witness to the world.

Warning Against False Standards

Paul warns against the dangers of self-comparison and self-commendation in 2 Corinthians 10:12: “They, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” Spiritual maturity is not about outperforming others or seeking approval from people. Instead, true approval comes from God: “Not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.” Our focus should be on God’s standards, not human ones, and we must resist the temptation to glory in our own achievements. As the scripture says, “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

Holding Fast to Christ, the Head

Colossians 2:17-19 provides a powerful reminder that “the substance is of Christ.” We are warned against being led astray by false humility, spiritual distractions, or the worship of angels. Instead, we are called to hold fast to Christ, who is the Head. It is from Him that the entire body is nourished and knit together, growing “with the increase that is from God.” This growth is not something we manufacture ourselves; it is a gift and work of God in us as we remain connected to Christ.

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

The journey of spiritual growth culminates in the exhortation found in 2 Peter 3:18: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This growth is ongoing; it is an invitation to continually seek deeper understanding, greater faith, and more profound grace. As we pursue Christ, we are transformed by His love and truth, becoming more like Him and reflecting His character to the world.

Conclusion

To “grow up in all things into Him Who is the head – Christ” is to embark on a lifelong journey of transformation, unity, and humility. By holding fast to Christ, seeking God’s approval, and growing in grace and knowledge, believers are nourished and strengthened to live out their faith authentically. May we each pursue this growth with diligence, trusting in God’s power to bring us to maturity in Christ.

 

Joshua 24:15  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Genesis 18:19    For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”

Psalms 101:2    I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

Psalms 119:106    I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.

Psalms 119:111-112   Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.  I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.

John 6:68  Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

Acts 11:23   When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

 

A.W. Tozer, On the stark reality of spiritual decision-making. His words in “If We Would, We May” emphasize the personal responsibility each individual bears when confronted with Christ’s invitation to follow Him. Tozer’s reflection is not merely theological; it is deeply practical, exploring the consequences of human choice and the uncompromising nature of Christ’s call.

The Invitation and the Divide

Tozer begins by referencing Christ’s invitation: “If any man will… let him follow me.” This invitation is universal, extended to all, but not universally accepted. Tozer observes that some respond and follow, while others ignore the call. This act of decision creates a profound gulf between people—those who choose to follow and those who do not. The separation is subtle and often unnoticed, unfolding in the quiet moments of personal reflection and response.

Silent Separation

The process of separation is, as Tozer describes, “silently, terribly” ongoing. It is not marked by dramatic signs or supernatural events, but by the quiet workings of the human heart as each person decides whether to heed the invitation. This work is sometimes unknown even to the individual, highlighting the mysterious nature of spiritual discernment and choice.

The Evidence and Decision

Tozer insists that each hearer must decide for themselves, basing their decision on the evidence provided by the message of Christ. There will be no overt signs, no thunderous confirmations from heaven. Instead, Christ Himself—the marks in His hands and feet—serves as the proof of His identity and authority. The responsibility, therefore, rests on the individual to accept or reject based on this evidence.

No Compromise, No Coercion

A central theme is Christ’s uncompromising stance. He does not force anyone to follow, nor does He alter the conditions to make them easier. The terms are set, and men must either accept or reject them. Tozer notes that thousands turn away because they are unwilling to meet Christ’s conditions, yet Christ watches them leave with love, refusing to make concessions that would undermine the integrity of His Holy Kingdom.

Lord or Judge

The final choice Tozer presents is stark: Christ will be Lord now or Judge then. Every individual must decide whether to accept Him as Lord in this life or face Him as Judge in the next. This dichotomy underscores the gravity of the decision and the eternal consequences it carries.

Conclusion

A.W. Tozer’s meditation challenges readers to confront the reality of Christ’s invitation and the personal responsibility to respond. His words remind us that the process of spiritual decision is deeply personal, uncompromising, and ultimately eternally decisive. The silence with which this separation occurs belies its significance, and the choice each person makes echoes into eternity.