Reformation’s First Step
I’ve been thinking a good bit. Not enough, but more than normal I suppose. I had a great time at men’s meeting last night. I got all inspired. Here is a piece of my inspiration:
Our country is in sad shape. Our culture, also, is just this side of Gomorrah. Maybe a taste of what we’re up against is that in a recent research survey they discovered that 57 percent of “evangelical Christians” believe their faith is not the only way to eternal life! This goes back to my previous post a little bit. Hypocrites in the church. But beyond that, my own compromise and hypocrisy. Basically we need a reformation in our country. (And our Canadian neighbors also.) I have been praying for a mighty movement of God’s Spirit for a long time. Our society is doomed if we do not repent and seek the Lord again. I say that with all seriousness and sincerity. I’m not a doom and gloomer, but we are in a war for the future of our children, and our nation.
But we will not see a great movement of God upon our country until the body of Christ repents of its own sins and failure to behave as Christ would behave. We need a reformation (or revival, whatever you want to call it) in the Church before we will see it in our country. That is in part why I am a minister seeking to help God’s people live in freedom and power.
But we will not see a great movement of God in the Church until there is a stirring of God’s Spirit in families. The family is the backbone of the Church. That is to say, the family structure is vitally important for the successful carrying out of the Great Commission. Also, the best discipleship happens in the home. A powerful revival in God’s body will come in the form of families that are changed and unified and powerful, in God’s Spirit.
I realized last night something significant I can do to speed along the reformation of our culture. In fact, I realized what the very first step, the beginning, of this reformation will be. If we will not have reformation until the church repents and is revived, and we will not have revival until the family is surrendered to God’s control, and I am the leader of my family, then I can begin in my own life to prepare the way of the Lord. “Prepare ye the ways of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”
The first step to reformation is in ME!
I must begin now to seek the Lord and earnestly pursue a life of holiness and a pure walk with Christ. How does that happen? It happens through the Word of God. That is the instrument God will use to shape me into the image of my Savior. Then my living will be what it ought to be. (Or at least, it will begin moving in that direction.) God cleanses and directs me through his Word. That is the key to spiritual growth.
So I need to quit bemoaning the sins of society so much (not that I will stop completely ) and start working on the compromise and selfishness in my own life. I need to be a man and get up early enough in the morning, regardless of circumstances, and spend time with Christ in prayer and His Word. Then Christ will begin, more and more, to live my life for me. That is the goal. To be filled and controlled by the Spirit.
So I am going to start taking the first step of reformation. I hope you will join me.
“I must begin now to seek the Lord”
If that is taken seriously, and carried out in earnestness; this promise is yours:
“…the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.” Mal. 3:1
The presence of the Lord is revealed to all those who seek Him.
Acts 17:27-28 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being…
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jer 18:2 Arise, and go down to [the place that I ordain to meet with you], and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Blessings to you brother.
What’s really exciting is: When the conditions for personal reformation are met, beyond what’s happening in yourself you can see what is simultaneously happening to the big picture (which you alluded to)! =)
Thanks for the post Jarod.
Amen! That is my heart cry as well. I know He is working in my heart, and that gives me the hope to persevere.