Your Own Affections

"But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished." (Matthew 17:12) 

You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. (2 Corinthians 6:12)

 

Before we surrendered our lives to Christ, we used to go wherever we wanted and do whatever we pleased. We thought and acted according to our whims and desires, we came and went as we saw fit, and we believed we had every right to live that way.

 

Then, the Lord introduces us to someone who lives a holy life and walks more closely with Him than we do, someone with a powerful witness — and He holds us accountable for our response to that witness. If we are not careful, that believer's discipline and attention to spiritual details will appear stodgy and unreasonable, and we will resent the standard he or she sets — "Who do they think they are?” But the Lord has placed them in our lives as a sign that points toward heaven — and if we are offended, it is not with them, but with God.

 

Be careful how you heed God's signs.

 

The mature saint is not restricted by his own affections or smallness of heart, but open to the leading of the Spirit. So, we must be careful to heed God's voice and to recognize the divine opportunities and relationships He ordains. Do not miss your "Elijah" when he appears. He is easy to recognize. He is the one pointing you back to God.

 

Let's Pray - Father, I will be careful to take note of the people and signs You place before me. May I respond well to every challenge You present me to grow spiritually. Amen.