Discipleship is surgical; in growing, pain and tears are inevitable. Even the world knows this. But what kind of sons and daughters are we raising in the church?
I see spiritual wimps, afraid to step on water. Afraid of the ugly creatures in the dark. Basking in self-pity due to pain and rejection.
Indeed grace is overrated. Sons and daughters are pampered. Unchallenged. Raised by fathers in the church, contented in their Goshen despite the slavery. They say, “At least we have leeks. We are covered by grace.”
Yes, we pray daily. Praying prayers for ourselves, for favors, praying even at the expense of others—so selfish, childish. Obviously, one is stagnated on the doctrine of grace, enjoying the leeks of Egypt, spoon-fed, puffed up by theology, and would not leave the comfort zone. Feeling secure in mediocrity, or worse, in slavery, at least ‘we are saved by grace.’ It is their song, their assurance.
But what is the Spirit saying?
Gear up! In God’s kingdom, flex your spiritual muscles and get equipped with biblical truths for global battles, putting evil in the entire earth under heaven’s heel.
Grace is to strengthen our resolve to brave the desert, where snakes and scorpions dwell. There is no other way toward the promised land, our eternal destiny. But we have to move with the Cloud by day and with the Fire by night. Move with grace!
Let us not be moved by intrigue.
Do not listen to bad reports, fake news, and people who slander the leadership and the government. Do not heed the 10 spies.
Don’t be afraid to slay giants, Og, king of Bashan, and then Goliath, blocking our path and defying our God.
But our battle is not against flesh and blood. It’s the darkness ruling over them that we must shatter.
At Gilgal, hearts have to be circumcised before jumping and praising God, singing our battle songs, and our war cry crumbling Jericho’s walls.
The Earth is our inheritance. So heaven must come down. You and I, by God’s grace, are called to make this happen. So we must, and give glory to our God!