"God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey." Philippians 2:13
Have you ever thought you could change someone else?
If you just tried hard enough... wanted it bad enough for them, somehow it would come about eventually.
I have. It's exhausting. Mostly because it doesn't work, and all it does is leave us frustrated, resentful and ridden with anxiety. That alone should be a sure sign that we aren't doing it God's way.
Didn't Jesus tell us that if we took His yoke upon ourselves it would be an easy yolk... a light burden?
But trying to change those around us is not easy, it's hard. And the burden of doing so is a heavy one.
That's because it's not our job.
The process of transformation in each person is always, only the job of Jesus. He is the Author of each person's faith, He alone is the perfecter. He alone is the one who began the good work in them, He alone will be the one faithful to complete it.
When we stand before him one day, it will be to answer for that which we ourselves have been given. Our life. Our days. Each will give an account for themselves.
Sometimes in our love for those around us we can mistake our anxiety for their spiritual growth as a mark of our spirituality, or our depth of caring. This is a wrong thinking. When the disciples were surrounded by stormy seas, they accused the Lord Jesus of not caring if they drowned. As if him being in a place of rest about the situation showed a lack of compassion or concern. Jesus? Not caring, really? He rebuked them for their fear and lack of faith. (Mark 4)
True spirituality is marked by our ability to entrust the care and growth of those we love into the loving hands of God. Our God, and theirs.
Pray for them, in faith. Speak words of encouragement and life. Yes.
But let us not resort to 'helpful hints', manipulation by guilt, or any other fleshly means to accomplish the holy work of transformation in another soul. It is God's work.
Linking with these great sites today:
Have you ever thought you could change someone else?
If you just tried hard enough... wanted it bad enough for them, somehow it would come about eventually.
I have. It's exhausting. Mostly because it doesn't work, and all it does is leave us frustrated, resentful and ridden with anxiety. That alone should be a sure sign that we aren't doing it God's way.
Didn't Jesus tell us that if we took His yoke upon ourselves it would be an easy yolk... a light burden?
But trying to change those around us is not easy, it's hard. And the burden of doing so is a heavy one.
That's because it's not our job.
The process of transformation in each person is always, only the job of Jesus. He is the Author of each person's faith, He alone is the perfecter. He alone is the one who began the good work in them, He alone will be the one faithful to complete it.
When we stand before him one day, it will be to answer for that which we ourselves have been given. Our life. Our days. Each will give an account for themselves.
Sometimes in our love for those around us we can mistake our anxiety for their spiritual growth as a mark of our spirituality, or our depth of caring. This is a wrong thinking. When the disciples were surrounded by stormy seas, they accused the Lord Jesus of not caring if they drowned. As if him being in a place of rest about the situation showed a lack of compassion or concern. Jesus? Not caring, really? He rebuked them for their fear and lack of faith. (Mark 4)
True spirituality is marked by our ability to entrust the care and growth of those we love into the loving hands of God. Our God, and theirs.
Pray for them, in faith. Speak words of encouragement and life. Yes.
But let us not resort to 'helpful hints', manipulation by guilt, or any other fleshly means to accomplish the holy work of transformation in another soul. It is God's work.
" [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." Philippians 2:13 Amplified Version
Linking with these great sites today:
What a great reminder. Let us let God do His thing. We certainly would stress less. : )
ReplyDeleteI jumped over from the WLWW link party. Your title reminded me of my post today at Gracious Goodness. Love your Amplified version of that verse. Great post. Be encouraged today.
You are so right it is usually impossible to change someone. However, you can pray for them and encourage them. Amen, to this post it was a good reminder of who is in charge.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
This is my first time to visit and I will return.
Living Water by LeAnn @ http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com
Thank you LeAnn!
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