Called to Be Separate

We realize our need for an abiding relationship with Christ. We know that coming closer to Him would enable us to live the victorious Christian life we long for. But how are we to do it?

After a good morning devotional hour, we dress and go into the kitchen, still musing over the blessings received in our time with God. But soon the distractions of the day begin to press in. The telephone rings, the oatmeal boils over and runs all over the stove, unforeseen problems arise in the family, and we find ourselves behind schedule. Amidst the confusion, Jesus gets left behind. However, not realizing that He has been forgotten, we finally sink into our chair at the breakfast table, relieved that at last everything seems to have settled down. It looks as though it is going to be an all right day after all.

The table conversation is interesting, and we are engaged in it. Unfortunately, the whole mealtime passes by without our once remembering to lift our hearts to God and ask for a continued surrender. However, since the conversation is pleasant, the sun is shining cheerily outside, and the birds are singing, we are alerted to no particular signs of danger and so remain at peace.

But sometime during the morning something comes up. Perhaps someone suggests a plan. “Oh no, that would never work,” we hasten to counter, allowing our tongue to gallop far ahead of our brain. Hurriedly we proceed to shoot down the idea, as a cloud comes over the face of the other person. From there the encounter grows more heated, and suddenly, in the midst of this, we realize our need for help.

            “Oh no!” we think with a sinking feeling. “How did this happen? I had such a wonderful devotional time this morning. I meant to act as a Christian today. And I didn’t mean to start an argument! I only meant to…but I didn’t think how it would come out. Oh, I wonder why God didn’t help me? Why didn’t He show me that I shouldn’t get onto this topic? Is my Christian experience a failure?”

The above illustration is only an imaginary story, but unfortunately it is a common scenario. Whatever its details are, a few points remain the same. The day starts out well, but we allow ourselves to get distracted from God. The problem is not realized, however, until something goes wrong. Then it becomes painfully obvious to us and maybe everyone else that we were not connected to Christ.

Let us prayerfully consider a few points on how we can overcome this pattern of failure and begin to walk in a consistent, abiding relationship with God.

* Keep your life daily surrendered to God. Remember that in order for His work to proceed in us, we need to let go of everything and place it upon the altar. If we are willfully clinging to something, His work in us will be greatly hindered.  

* Pray and listen for God’s voice as you go about your daily work. Ask His help in your activities. As you begin a piece of work, pray for wisdom and guidance. When finished, ask God to help you evaluate your work.
          
        * “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23, 24. Try to think of yourself as doing each piece of work especially to honor the Lord. When washing the dishes, do not merely think, “Oh, I have to get these done.” Instead ask the Lord how you can honor Him by carefulness, attention to detail, and timeliness, as well as by being a blessing to your family. 

* When possible, pause for a moment by a window or in a quiet corner, and recommit your heart to God. Keep your eyes open for things to thank the Lord for.  

* If wrong thoughts come into your mind, reject them. Do not dwell on them. If you see something that tends to draw your mind toward sinful things, choose to look away.  

            * Do not allow your attention to be deeply absorbed in issues of little importance. Many times very inconsequential matters we hear, read, or think about can use up our time and distract us from the Lord.  

* If you realize that you have become distracted and have not prayed for some time, do not become upset. Rather, ask God’s forgiveness and help to do better. Then continue on walking with Him as before.  

* If you have fallen into temptation, make haste to repent and return to God’s presence. Do not stay away in shame, as Adam and Eve did when they sinned, but rather spare no time in becoming reconciled to God.  

* Do not overload your schedule and your life. Evaluate if you are trying to do too much, and are becoming nervous, stressed, and distracted from God. Determine what needs to be cut out. 

* Be careful of making impulsive decisions. Seek God’s counsel. 

* Remember that no rules, steps, plans, or formulas can enable you to abide in Christ. Only the Holy Spirit working in your heart can do this. Ask for His help and depend on it.

          In the 1600s, in France, lived a man who gave his heart to God and sought to live in His presence. By walking and talking with God during his daily tasks, Brother Lawrence, as he was called, came to know God as a personal friend. He wrote, “Before beginning any task I would say to God, with childlike trust: ‘O God, since Thou art with me, and it is Thy will that I must now apply myself to these outward duties, I beseech Thee, assist me with Thy grace that I may continue in Thy Presence; and to this end, O Lord, be with me in this my work, accept the labor of my hands, and dwell within my heart with all Thy Fulness.’ Moreover, as I wrought, I would continue to hold familiar converse, offering to Him my little acts of service, entreating the unfailing succor of His grace. When I had finished, I would examine how I had performed my duty: if I found well, I gave Him thanks; if ill, I besought His pardon, and without losing heart I set my spirit right, and returned anew unto His Presence, as though I had never wandered from Him. Thus, by rising after every fall, and by doing all in faith and love, without wearying, I have come to a state in which it would be as little possible for me not to think of God, as it was hard to discipline myself thereto at the beginning” (Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God, Grand Rapids: Spire Books, 1967, p. 109).