From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

© Bill McCown | www.myghcf.com

“Because I said so”. Ever heard that growing up? I surely did. It helped me to discipline my outside behavior, but it never helped my inner motivations. So I ask you, why do you do what you do? Are you morally upright because it is a “rule”, because someone said you had to, because you’re afraid God will squash you like a bug if you disobey Him? Wrong…none of the above!

God’s directions are His wisdom for a better life here and a preparation for an even better life to come, not just rules emanating from an egoistic king. If you let Him, God and His wisdom will flow through you like streams of living water. That hints at something a lot easier than those strict, unyielding doctrines to memorize and obey. It’s sad, but our broken Adam nature leans to either rule making or rule breaking instead of entering into rest in the Lord.

The old saying “Let go and let God” doesn’t mean you’re a robot or something. No, it just means you let go of your rule and rules and let the clean, Holy Spirit “flow” through you as unhindered as possible. He will always lead you in the morally right way. Lead by Him, you don’t have rules in your head but rather love in your heart for Him. Because that love reigns in you, you joyfully resist all that does not please God (well, at least eventually you will). And you do it from a place of saturated love, not stifling laws. If you do not have an intimate love relationship with the Lord, you are missing out on what He wants for you. He is not a fascist God to fear, but one to love and obey, thus receiving all His unlimited blessings. Why would He do that…well, because He loves YOU!

Endure the fire…it’s producing pure gold! 

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