Have You Gotten Rid Of All The Junk?
(Adam Leong, Chairperson, Family Life Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 19:14 (NIV) – May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
OBSERVE:
In my early years as a believer, when I heard these words said by the pastor in prayer before the sermon, I would think that it only applied when pastors preach.
How wrong and foolish I was.
In my life journey following Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I have learned that what I harbour and treasure in my heart is even more revealing of who I really am than what I would manifest in my life.
APPLY
My discipleship journey really began when I learned what it meant to do “spring cleaning” or “de-cluttering” every day, every moment of my life.
I have unhealthy thought patterns of pride (I’m not that bad), self-righteousness (I must be right and have the last word) and unforgiveness (hurt and unmet expectations). Realising that I have all this junk is not going to transform me but “taking every thought captive” and intentionally, obediently, repenting of these thoughts will transform me. Remembering Bible verses and applying them in my life are the start of the transforming process. All I can say is that I’m a work in progress (WIP). God is patient and kind, gracious and loving during this transforming process, this discipleship journey.
DO
As I begin to read His Word daily, pray unceasingly, serve humbly and love sacrificially, I can only allow His Holy Spirit to do the deep work of transformation in me, slowly but surely. If you ask me, “Have you gotten rid of all the junk?”, I can only say that I cannot stop the bird from flying over me but I can stop it from making a nest on my head.
I want to encourage you in your discipleship journey not to give up, not to quit but persevere. Continue to trust God even though you might have failed Him countless times. As long as you desire to draw close to God, he will draw close to you.
James 4:8 – Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Let’s commit this time to God.
PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve not been obedient to Your Word. For my pride, self-righteousness and unforgiveness, please forgive me. Thank You that You have sent Your precious beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for my sins.
I pray that as I open my heart to You, You will reveal to me the areas that I need to repent of and grant me Your power to obey all that You have called me to do.
In Your Son’s most precious Name I pray, Amen.
