Clay in the Hands

I finished a book last week entitled Re-Thinking the Church.  In the book, James White takes a look at several areas of the church that need to be evaluated.  He looks at worship and structure and evangelism among others.  He also suggests the need to re-think how we view discipleship.  I agree with most of what he says in the book but one statement he made in the chapter on discipleship has stayed with me and convicted me.  He said that the limiting factor to us becoming like Jesus is the “level of our effort.”

I have made statements like this before so I agree with what White has said.  I am a firm believer that God gives the growth but we have to do our part when it comes to our spiritual progression.  But seeing White’s words hit me between the eyes.  God is willing to give the growth but the actual growth is limited by my lack of effort.

Now this idea can be pushed to the point of a theology of works which Paul directly speaks against through out his writings.  But the point is that if I am going to become more like Jesus in this life, then I must be committed to that cause and put forth the necessary effort to get there.  In my case, that effort will have to include setting aside time daily to spend reading God’s word and praying.  The effort does not come in the reading but in the sacrifice of time.  I definitely have room for improvement!

How about you?  How much effort are you giving in order to become more like Jesus today?