The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not
one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants
scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But
if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ,
he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark
and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of
disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result
of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I
do not intend to obey.
No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to
the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing
spiritually. Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and
there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your
gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to
your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).
He is saying, in essence, “Don’t say another word to me; first be
obedient by making things right.” The teachings of Jesus hit us where we
live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He
instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers
our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we
have never even thought of before.
When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try
to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine
the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you
have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing
spiritually. As Jesus said, “First . . . go . . ..” Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.
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