Weekly Devotional 5-26-25 Not Automatic
A few years ago, Nancy and I had lunch with a Christian brother and while we were dining, he asked that we pray that he would have a right attitude toward many things that he does on a voluntary basis. I determined from our discussion that he did not fully comprehend that volunteerism comes with commitment. It was his assumption that because he was volunteering to perform a certain task, he was free to perform the task at his own determination. We talked at length about this and I was hopeful by the time we were through dining he would have a different perspective toward what comes with volunteerism. Before ending the discussion, I asked why he wanted us to pray for him about this. To which he replied, “That I have a right attitude.” I followed up by asking him what he was doing about it and then mentioned that most things in life are not automatic.
Many times we Christians think that our prayers will move God toward accomplishing that about which we are praying not considering that we have an involvement in accomplishing those things. For instance, I have heard some students pray, “God help me pass that test tomorrow,” and then spend very little time in preparing for the test. Certainly God has initiated those things that are necessary for the Christian to walk a walk that is worthy of Him; he has birthed us to newness of spiritual life, he indwells us, and has given us His Word, but on their own, these things will not mature us. The Christian does have spiritual life, and the Holy Spirit indwells to guide and encourage him (her), but life is given to perform. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b). Paul wrote that this was necessary for the Christians of Philippi (and us) that they (we) might honor Christ, their (our) Redeemer. The qualification of this was their (our) work.
In respect to the above-mentioned brother, he (we all) must realize that when we pray, we should expect that those prayers will bring about a change in us. Prayer is a communication between God and us. As we speak to Him, He speaks to us and His communication should bring about a change in our attitude, expectations, and performance. If we pray rightly, we should begin to consider as we pray, what our own involvement should be in the things we are praying about. Instead of asking God to do this or that, perhaps we should begin asking God what He would have us do, and then ask Him to strengthen us so that those things might be accomplished.
Again, thinking about the attitude of the brother mentioned above, he needs to consider (as should we all) that God does not work in the abstract. Neither does the Christian, He like God is to be actively engaged.
Jesus said, “13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Of course Nancy and I will pray for our brother, as we shall for ourselves, that he (we) will be strengthened in his (in our) resolve to perform to the expectations of volunteerism, and we will also pray that we each come to fully appreciate that God expects His children to work out of their salvation, to live lives that honor Him.
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