July 26 – Deeper By the Day (1 Chronicles 29:14-19)

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”(1 Chronicles 29:17)

IN WORD:
So many people think biblical faith is about changing our behavior. Many of the Pharisees and experts of the Law in Jesus’ day were convinced that religion was an outward expression only. Our culture often makes the same mistake. Rules & regulations are substituted for a genuine change of heart. All the while, God points us back into His Word. There is nothing in it — nothing at all — to encourage a righteousness that is skin-deep.
Isn’t it easy for us to get caught in that trap? We know the truth, that the gospel is about getting a new heart. But we look for the outward evidence of our new heart — as we should — and allow that evidence to become the substance of our faith — which we shouldn’t. The outward works of righteousness are only the by-product of the inward work of faith. They must be a very intentional by-product, as we train ourselves to put feet on our faith. But they are by-products nonetheless. There is no requirement of God for our behavior that is not to begin down in the depths of our spirit.
God desires truth in our inmost parts. Do we? God wants to plant His wisdom deep within. Do we? Perhaps we have failed to realize the radical nature of the gospel. Perhaps we have sought guidance for our behavior without first seeking a change in our character. Perhaps we have wanted easy words to follow rather than a traumatic Word that changes us.

IN DEED:
God will not let us be content with that. His Spirit will continue to hound us as lovingly as He can hound; He will not stop His work in us until it has penetrated our core. He will not settle for appearances.
Do you settle for appearances? Are you content with superficial acts of faith while a sinful heart fights and wins the battle deep within? Adopt God’s desires. Never cease your prayers for change until the change runs deep. Always let God take you deeper than the day before.

“Spiritual growth consists most in the growth of the root, which is out of sight.” -Matthew Henry-