Embracing the Freedom to Grow
“The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” These words, spoken by Jesus in Matthew 26:41, often seem like a harsh reality check. But what if we viewed them not as an inevitable condition, but as a diagnosis that can be corrected?
A Correctable Condition
As Dallas Willard so eloquently puts it in his book “Revolution of Character,” this perspective brings us glorious freedom. It means that our slow spiritual progress or stumbling walk with Christ is not a permanent state of being, but rather a correctable one. This understanding empowers us to take action, to seek growth and transformation.
The Hope of Apprenticeship
Willard also refers to Christians as “apprentices,” a term that holds great promise. An apprentice is a learner, bound to serve and entitled to instruction from their employer. In our case, God is our teacher, providing us with everything we need through His Word and His Holy Spirit within us. The Apostle Paul’s attitude of dependence on God can be ours as well: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Letting Go of Excuses
How often do we use excuses to justify our sins, shortcomings, and unwillingness to follow God wholeheartedly? We focus on our own limitations rather than on God’s provisions for us. But it’s time to let go of those excuses and embrace our role as trainable apprentices. As we do, we’ll discover the freedom to grow, to learn, and to become more like Christ.
A Prayer for Transformation
Father, forgive me for focusing on myself instead of on you and your provisions for me. Grant me the grace to be a humble and willing apprentice, eager to learn and grow in my walk with you.
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