November 20, 2013

The following excerpt is from the blog “Self Watch” on Joe Dallas’s website: … “I know, of course, that we are ultimately kept by the power of God, not our own efforts. (I Peter 1:3-5) I know that even the will to do God’s will is imparted, not innate (Philippians 2:13) and that if my spiritual growth is determined only by my maintenance efforts, it’ll be non-existent. (Galatians 3:3) Still, there’s a principle of sowing and reaping to be considered. Whether it’s flesh or spirit I sow to, there will be corresponding results, and the decision to choose where my sowing efforts go is my own, given by the God who ordained free will just as surely as He offers grace. And while I revel in grace like a hog in his favorite mud puddle, maturity requires me to also apply myself, with whatever ability God has given me, to invest in growth. Bible reading, prayer, mortifying the flesh, confession and accountability don’t determine my right standing with God, and I’m not one to frustrate His grace by trying to add to the Cross. (Galatians 2:21) But a stronger, vibrant, fruit bearing Joe simply won’t happen without them. That’s life; that’s final.”

“We’ll all answer, at the judgment seat of Christ, for the way we’ve accepted or rejected the call to faithfully steward these bodies, gifts and capacities we’ve been entrusted with. (II Corinthians 5:10) God grant that before then, we embrace Paul’s celebration of grace and his zeal for self-watch. They’re both essential.”