There is a breed of harmless Christians who lack the power of God in their lives and who represent a poor sample of the transforming power of the grace
of God.
A.W. Tozer makes this observation: “We have today theological saints, who can (and must) be proved to be saints by an appeal to the Greek original. We
need saints whose lives proclaim their sainthood, and need not run to the concordance for authentication.”1
Our righteousness is an important legal aspect of our redemption. Far too many Christians, however, rest upon the righteousness that has been imparted
by faith without allowing it to effectively produce the righteous conduct for which it is intended.
The world sees a reflection of Jesus through the Body of Christ—that’s you and me. And He will tolerate nothing less than spotless mirrors.
We can see again from First Peter 2:9 that the purpose of our calling is to reveal with ever-increasing clarity the beauty of Jesus Christ.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out
of darkness into His marvelous light” (NKJV).
We are called a “holy nation.” Jesus actually created a new race of people. People who belong especially to God. People with a purpose. This purpose is
made clear in the Phillips translation of this verse: “It is for you now to demonstrate the goodness of him who has called you out of darkness
into his amazing light.”
Demonstrate His goodness! Undo the works of the devil. Reach into the Spirit realm through the Word of God. As we do, it will begin to open to us a life-style
of diligence. Those who demonstrate His goodness are those who put aside the things that hold them back.
God will create a dream within us, a dream of fulfilling His goals. We must ascribe to that dream. Then we will cultivate a new way of thinking and speaking.
Our thoughts and words will begin to reflect the dream that is alive within us.
We must compel ourselves to reach out and obtain God’s high calling. Then we will become a living incarnation of His mighty power. This is not for the
weak-hearted Christian who is looking for an effortless existence, but for those of us who are ready to meet the challenge of our times with the greatness
of our God.
Finally, notice Second Timothy 2:20-21: “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor
and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared
for every good work.”
Our willingness toward God is the limit of our usefulness. We have all of the right ingredients necessary to become a productive, committed believer. Discover
what a life of diligence toward God can produce.
1 Paths to Power, A.W. Tozer, p. 10
