Transformation by Knowledge

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

Romans 2:12-13

It's always interesting to hear people quote scriptures and give you their comments about what's biblical.  But what about their walks, their obedience to the words they speak?  At what point do the two sides/areas meet?  And then I think of that person who doesn't know any scripture but God captured their heart; they  continue to sin out of ignorance or weakness, not disobedience.  Which is worse?  Neither.  It matters which direction the person is headed.  Are they facing Jesus or away from Him?  Where they are today isn't as important as where they're headed.  It's not how much you know but how your heart is transformed by what you know that matters.

Am I still growing in Christ or am I idle?  Idle means I'm falling away because once we stop, the flesh takes over its natural sinful course.  I need to be closer to Jesus today than I was yesterday, last month or even last year.  The pace of progress is according to God's individual will but we're all called to grow, become disciples and not just followers who only receive.  Each and every one of us are leaders and influencers in some way, to some person.  We need to embrace growth and discipleship.  My calling is my wife, family, friends, work, church and other areas of ministry.  What kind of grades am I getting?  Probably C's in most areas but a D at home and family & friends.  I have an expectation of my wife to be on fire for God; to pray, to serve, to shard, to disciple... all these things and more.  But what am I doing to encourage4 that?  What am I doing to lead her into a full relationship with Christ Jesus?  I need to continue to pray, encourage daily devotions and be a dream releaser for her.  I need to be active in encouraging  her obedience to God. 

LORD God and Father, last night You gave me a dream, a message that bothered me.  You told me  I don't do things with love as much as You wanted me too.  I don't want that, please forgive Your servant for making about the task instead of the heart.  I rely on You, not my calendar or notes to remind me when to use my heart properly.  I pray that my mind is free from structure and planning where it is disobedient.  Help me to understand the heart of the matter and not the "laws" or "rules" of the situation.  In the all-loving name of Jesus I pray, Amen!