Deeper Life #303

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

—Proverbs 12:15

SCORES OF MEN AND WOMEN have a sense of personal holiness and self-righteousness. Their fascination of the Lord Jesus is based on an external performance of religion. They read their Bibles, but have no spiritual reality within. They have no consciousness of backsliding; but, oh, the possibility of failure! The feebleness of their lives!

So many Christians fall away from Christ right at this point. They try their best to do what is right, but realize only failure. They slowly feel that Jesus Christ cannot do what He says He can do in their lives. God can show people in that condition who and what they are. He can confront them with the fact that they need to be born from above, of the Spirit.

Consider the cases of Peter. This man was perfectly honest, perfectly earnest, but perfectly shallow in his spiritual experience. Peter had a flash for one second about who Jesus was; but he forgot it immediately. When Jesus talked about the cross, did Peter understand Him? Not a bit. He meant everything he said, but he was simply staggered at Jesus’ prediction that he would betray Him. And Jesus was correct. He always is.

Prayer Thought: By myself, I am too weak to wrestle with Satan. But with Christ I can overcome and be victorious!

SUGGESTED READING: Proverbs 12:1–15