But ye are... a royal priesthood." I Peter 2:9
"By what right do we become a "royal priesthood"?
By the right of the Atonement.
Are we prepared to leave ourselves resolutely alone and to launch out into the priestly work of prayer?
The continual grubbing on the inside to see whether we are what we ought to be generates a self-centered, morbid type of Christianity, not the robust, simple life of the child of God.
Until we get into a right relationship to God, it is a case of hanging on by the skin of our teeth, and we say - What a wonderful victory I have got!
There is nothing indicative of the miracle of Redemption in that.
Launch out in reckless belief that the Redemption is complete, and then bother no more about yourself, but begin to do as Jesus Christ said - pray for the friend who comes to you at midnight, pray for the saints, pray for all men.
Pray on the realization that you are only perfect in Christ Jesus, not on this plea - "O Lord, I have done my best, please hear me."
How long is it going to take God to free us from the morbid habit of thinking about ourselves?
We must get sick unto death of ourselves, until there is no longer any surprise at anything God can tell us about ourselves.
We cannot touch the depths of meanness in ourselves, there is only one place where we are right, and that is in Christ Jesus.
When we are there, then we have to pour out for all we are worth in this ministry of the interior."
Oswald Chambers...My Utmost for His Highest
Hi Trish. Your pretty picture is so "royal"! I read in St. Faustina's diary that we are to lead a quiet and hidden life of prayer, in preparation for the second coming of Christ. If I would do that more, I wouldn't think so much of myself!
ReplyDeleteThat is funny your dad used to say the same thing as mine :)
Soon I will have the courage to do the soap recipe. Yes, the lye is the scarey part. I'm hoping everyone's instructions are over-preparing me and it is not as bad as I think...but I do notice videos show me how they do it AFTER they mix the lye and it is cooled down.
love,andrea
I own this book by Oswald Chambers, but have not looked at it in a long time. I know I struggle each day to focus more on Christ and less on myself. I think we all do. Fortunately, God is merciful as long as we continue to place our faith in Him.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder! You've just inspired me to pull out this book again. :)
Hi Trish,
ReplyDeleteI love Oswald Chambers' writings and I have also this book. A very inspirational post; thank you.
Blessings,
Sandi
Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite authors, thank you for sharing a very inspirational post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sue
I love Oswald Chambers writing. Most of my kids own a copy too of My Utmost For His Highest. So many good thoughts to draw us closer to the throne.
ReplyDeleteThat is a book I would like to get one day. Many blessings to you, Trish.
ReplyDelete