DANGERS TO DEEP SPIRITUALITY

The wisdom of the fathers

DANGERS TO DEEP SPIRITUALITY

People who depend on the law become tangled in a thousand difficulties. Their life becomes filled with inward strife rather than enjoying that restful, peaceful walk with God in the liberty of perfect love. Those who are living by law and attempting to produce their own righteousness can expect God to use various means to smash the idol.

One such danger is the desire for position. It is true that God prepares people for leadership positions in every line of His work. But we must not be like the unsaved Gentiles who seek to have position and authority over others as a means to lift ourselves spiritually. It will only be a matter of time before the will begins to act and plan and pull wires and manage things for the purpose of gaining more power and honor from men. This spiritual ambition always separates the soul from God.

Another danger to the spiritual life is the giving or receiving of personal praise. While there is a place for proper expression of appreciation, those who find “life” from the praise and honor that comes from man cannot walk with Christ at the same time. Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3) (John 5:41-44) The danger lies at that delicate point where the honor is received into the heart. How easy it is to be drawn by praise into Satan’s self-exalting way of life. The holy man who walks with God in His Kingdom-life is one who merits great honor, and yet shrinks from it. His heart actually experiences pain whenever he finds himself being put on display and praised by man.

Those who have been honored by God with His Kingdom-life know that all praise and honor and glory must go to Him. And the only way for God to be all in all is for the child of God to become nothing in itself. to be continued

(from "Spiritual Feasts" by G.D. Watson)