Thoughts
on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 168
Michael’s book is
available through:
Abiding Life Ministries
International
Littleton, Colorado
Notice: this email is part of a
BLOG, called Living Life With a Capital “C”. Why a
blog? So that many can receive these thoughts
in an easy manner.
It
seems like the more people who say, “We shouldn’t be judging”…they judge more. And judging one’s spirituality has become a
“sport” for many Christians. Michael
lays down Jesus’ standard for “spirituality” and tells us what Israel’s
greatness was. This day’s writing should
open some eyes as we start another calendar year!
DAY 173
Judging Spirituality, Perceived Versus Real
Therefore you are
to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Beware of
practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you
have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. –Matthew 5:48 and 6:1
I know of a man who
preached in a meeting where over 50,000 came to Christ. I heard of a woman who
was one of the world’s great social workers. As attested to by eyewitnesses, a
fellow raised a woman from the dead. Also, I have been where another woman
started over 700 churches. Having traveled for years, this is only the
beginning of what I have seen and heard. There is no need belaboring the point.
Many, many believers have
participated in seeing God perform great miracles and accomplish incredible
tasks. My question is this: Were they spiritual people? The obvious
answer would be, “Of course,” for too often believers judge the spectacular as being the earmarks of
spirituality. But
were they? Israel’s
greatness was never to be found in the people but in their God. God accomplishes what He wills,
and man takes the credit for it and uses it to build himself an image.
To be honest, I do not know if these men and women were spiritual in the least.
I have been shocked to see “great men” explode when they did not get the seat
they wanted on the airline, when a car pulled in front of them, or when a
subordinate questioned them. What
one is at his worst is the level of true spirituality that he has achieved.
Men on the platform often say, “It is only Jesus, praise God,” and then accept
the praise of men. Actions
speak loudly. One woman could not stand to be questioned. She would
explode and leave those around her in a verbal pool of blood. Another preacher
would get out of the car if anyone disagreed. Well, we all have our bad moments and the flesh never
improves; it is hostile to God. My point is that none of us need to be fruit inspectors or more voices
pointing out the hypocrisy of believers. That has all been done before. We must have a different way of
judging spirituality than being brainwashed by the loudest, the spectacular,
and the dominating. They have defined spirituality to describe themselves and
their flesh. However, Jesus
gives us the true definition of spirituality. If what He describes is part of a believer’s life,
that one is a far greater success than any televangelist ever seen. We are blessed when we are at the
end of our ropes. With
less dependence on our selves, there is more of God and His rule.
Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point Green
– IT, Incredible Truth
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches Pink
– PV, Priceless Victory
Michael
lays down Jesus’ standard for “spirituality,” but isn’t it interesting that the
“judgers” never consider Jesus’ standard…perfection.
And
how many people really acknowledge an awareness of Israel’s greatness…in Bible
times or TODAY! Man’s flesh can’t get
away from trusting in man’s flesh, his own or others…
But,
the staggering statement of Michael’s writing is his “What one is at his worst
is the level of true spirituality that he has achieved.” What?!?
Michael, that stings! Yikes! I don’t want to go there… WAIT A MINUTE…look at what Michael says just
a couple of sentences later: “…we all have our bad moments and the flesh never
improves; it is hostile to God. My point
is that none of us need to be fruit inspectors or more voices pointing out the
hypocrisy of believers.” I love it! He is correct. And to me, Michael has pinpointed the exact
issue that all the “judgers” neglect: “the flesh
never improves; it is hostile to
God.” It is not our Christianity, but our flesh. Our Christianity is Christ, Him, Christ IN
us. And He cannot be judged, for He IS
perfect. Hallelujah! You can jump on my flesh all you want to, but
you are barking up the wrong tree!
So,
we ARE blessed when we are at the end of our ropes. And less dependence on our self, less of our
flesh, brings more of God and His rule.
Well, amen.
To access ALL past weekly
blogs, go to Living Life With a Capital
“C” by logging onto www.leemccm.blogspot.com
NOTICE: another blog on
Michael Wells’ book, Sidetracked In The Wilderness, called Getting Out of the
Wilderness. You can access by logging onto
www.leemcchristianministries.blogspot.com
Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
P.O. Box 633244 Nacogdoches, Tx 75963 936-559-5696
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