Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Colossians 3:17 Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Read also Colossians 3:12-16.
If you’re a vain professor of religion, you’re probably more interested in routine than in glorifying God. You’ll be all bent out of shape, as they say, if something goes a bit awry with your plans. While president of Youth for Christ International, I saw situations where youth leaders insisted that everything had to go exactly as they had planned. It’s amazing that the young people didn’t just up and walk out! So be flexible. Don’t be so set on your own routine that God gets crowded out of things. You don’t always have to have your way, do you? If you do, it’s an indication that your will hasn’t been broken before our blessed Lord.
Empty people are also often eager-beaver proselytizers, unusually anxious to get other people to join their church or group. Do you desire a big crowd at your meetings, but care nothing about God’s presence or blessing? Do you start your meetings with “a word of prayer,” which is often a highbrow way of saying, “We don’t have time to pray, but let’s go through the routine anyway”? Getting people to follow your group or program is a selfish goal and it grieves God. What’s really important is that you point others to the Savior!
Small thought here. What should you do? Specialize in doing the will and work of your blessed Lord. Have your heart overhauled by His dear Holy Spirit. You’ll discover what a difference that makes.
This devotional was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free email articles at Walk With The King Today and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages. Used with written permission.
