When He discovers repulsive things in us by J.R. Miller

 

"Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end!" John 13:1

 Jesus takes us as we are, and does not get weary of us--whatever faults and sins He discovers in us. There is infinite comfort in this for us. We are conscious of our faults, blemishes and infirmities; and the unworthiness and the unloveliness which is in our souls. Many of us have pages in our biography, which we would not dare to spread out before the eyes of anyone!

There are in our inner heart--feelings, desires, longings, cravings, jealousies, motives--which we would not feel secure in laying bare to our dearest, truest, and most patient and gentle friend. Yet Christ knows them all. Nothing is hidden from His eyes. To Him there is perfect revealing of the innermost springs of our being. Yet we need not be afraid that His friendship for us will change, or grow less, or withdraw itself--when He discovers repulsive things in us. Yet He loves us--loves unto the uttermost! Christ loves us not according to our worthiness--but according to the richness of His own gracious heart!

 "May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should--how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it!" Ephesians 3:18-19

Do Hard Things... Why?

Lately I have been considering "Do Hard Things".

After watching the video series by the Harris brothers I have one disagreement with it. If all that is said is do hard things, then people will do hard things for what reason? Do Hard Things for God's glory? That is true, but seems as though the premise is what follows something else. That something else should be a love for God.

Consider this verse.

James 2:18: "But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

I am not saying that faith is interchangeable for love. I am emphasizing that works should flow out of faith. Not the other way around.

Deuteronomy 6:5
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your strength. "

If we start with loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength then works will follow. We will do the works not because it is what is not expected of us. We will do them because we love God and we want to obey his commandments.

Psalm 119:4-8

" 4 You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!"