12/10/2020
Galatians 4:22 “Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman.”
“The only way we can offer up a spiritual sacrifice to God is by presenting our bodies a living sacrifice.” ~Oswald Chambers
In today’s study, Chambers is speaking of the connection between the natural and the spiritual, on how we must turn the natural to the spiritual by sacrifice. I was speaking to a friend this morning about how I, as my natural self, continually get in the way of the spiritual and am dragged back into the crazy cycle. This happens when I fall back into habitual thoughts and actions that are not guided by the Holy Spirit. I may feel very justified at the time, but ultimately I know in my spirit that God wants me to bring everything to Him. Dying to self is a never ending process for me, and it is all about sacrificing the natural. Chambers writes, “If we do not sacrifice the natural to the spiritual, the natural life will mock at the life of the Son of God in us and produce a continual swither.” Do I reflect Jesus when I am in this place of uncertainly, where I try to control the circumstances that surround me? Sadly, no. It is in those times that others can surely look at me and say, “Where is her faith now?” I shudder to even think that could be happening. Am I not a beloved child of God? Does the sacrifice of Jesus only mean something to me when I am calm, happy, and contented? Shouldn’t my Lord’s Atonement mean even more when I am emotionally injured or experiencing trials? Isn’t it through my brokenness that my Savior shines brightest through me? When will I finally get out of the way and walk this earth as a living sacrifice? Chambers writes, “God is not with our natural life while we pamper it; but when we put it out in the desert and resolutely keep it under, then God will be with it; and He will open up wells and oases, and fulfill all His promises for the natural.”
I am, as always, a work in progress, and so thankful for Jesus’ mercy and grace.
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