Shortcuts
Posted in Daily Focus on Monday, September 23, 2013
"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).
Life is full of shortcuts. High-priced technology has changed the way we live and made shopping so easy we can get what we want with a simple click of a mouse or a wave of a debit card. Although technological advances have also made homeschooling easier, there is one aspect to teaching our children at home that can't be fast forwarded — your children's spiritual growth. Developing biblical values and godly character requires a daily, concentrated effort in building God's truths precept upon precept. Money simply cannot buy instant access to Christianity or purchase shortcuts in learning God's lessons in humility, obedience, and submission.
Trying to fast track Christianity has been a problem since the Lord returned to heaven. In Acts 8:13-24, Simon, the ex-magician, thought he could bypass the disciplines of being trained in righteousness. Wanting to impress the crowds and perform miracles like Peter, Simon offered money to find a shortcut to the Holy Spirit's power. Rebuking him for his fleshly attempts to control God, Peter said, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:20b-21).
What about you? Are you guilty of looking for shortcuts in your spiritual growth? Quick prayers and short devotionals are not enough. Spend time alone with the Lord today in prayer and Bible study and let the Holy Spirit reveal those changes that need to take place in your life. "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection" (Hebrews 6:1a).
Lord, forgive me for being like a child and looking for the easy way out of Your lessons. Help me to walk with You today and not run ahead of the disciplines that teach me Your truths. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(6 comments)
AUDRA K 09/23/2011 05:56:17
Thank you for this devotional. It always speaks to me.
God bless you all!
Audra K.
LORI B 09/23/2012 04:32:37
This really spoke to my heart. Time in God's Word is so precious and we miss out onthe so many blessings when we take shortcuts.
KATHY S 09/23/2012 07:47:04
I talk to Jesus pretty much all day long. We have alot of problems that need attention, and alot of Blessings each and every day that I thank him for.
I am guilty of not reading the Bible like I should. Thank yyou as always for this reminder through your wonderful devotionals!
ELIZABETH C 09/23/2012 08:10:18
Amen!
This is perfect! I love to talk to my Father God all day long as well, Kathy.
I have been lacking in my dedication to spending time in His Word in any large quantity of time for the last couple of weeks, and for the last number of days, I have spent 1-2 hours per night engrossed in His Holy Word. WOW! Talk about turning around my attitude!!! What a difference His Word and deep prayer make in my life. If I am feeling out of touch or starting to ebb towards negativity or sourness, I can almost always link it to my lack of discipline in being IN HIS WORD.
Amen, AOP! Amen. Thank you for giving me a wonderful start to my day that is always very relevant to our journey of homeschooling and raising these young disciples for Christ!
SANDY M 09/23/2012 10:19:03
Amen. Our human nature "often" looks for quick ways and shortcuts. Thank you for the reminder that there ARE NO SHORT CUTS to the Lord's presence. Thanks for the perfect reminder.
CAROLINE K 09/24/2012 09:05:19
"For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"
It is our very center. Thank you for the daily reminders that are centered on God's Word!