“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world’ ” (John 18:36).
The great enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ today is the idea of practical work that has no basis in the New Testament but comes from the systems of the world. This work insists upon endless energy and activities, but no private life with God. The emphasis is put on the wrong thing. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation … . For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20–21). It is a hidden, obscure thing. An active Christian worker too often lives to be seen by others, while it is the innermost, personal area that reveals the power of a person’s life.
We must get rid of the plague of the spirit of this religious age in which we live. In our Lord’s life there was none of the pressure and the rushing of tremendous activity that we regard so highly today, and a disciple is to be like His Master. The central point of the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship with Him, not public usefulness to others.
It is not the practical activities that are the strength of this Bible Training College-its entire strength lies in the fact that here you are immersed in the truths of God to soak in them before Him. You have no idea of where or how God is going to engineer your future circumstances, and no knowledge of what stress and strain is going to be placed on you either at home or abroad. And if you waste your time in overactivity, instead of being immersed in the great fundamental truths of God’s redemption, then you will snap when the stress and strain do come. But if this time of soaking before God is being spent in getting rooted and grounded in Him, which may appear to be impractical, then you will remain true to Him whatever happens.
Oswald Chambers
Man oh man, this blog speaks to me in my current circumstances. I’m finding that busyness and over-activity are some of the biggest tools that the enemy uses in this country. It’s been a rough go since I’ve been back because I find I am ALWAYS doing something for work. And then I’m just exhausted. Anyway, thanks for writing this blog, hope to see you soon!
Good grief… this is going to take me decades.
Oooohh this is a good, grounding reminder. Thanks!!
Thank you Gary. You have inspired me to take a vacation day from work this this week to spend it with the Lord in prayer and fellowship. Can’t wait!