What is the work?

Psalm 51:10-11

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Psalm 24:3-5

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

In the modern age we often hear the term ‘the work’ in relation to spiritual growth. It is inferred that we must do the work of growing ourselves, confronting our emotions and behaviours and raise our conscious awareness. 

The truth is, we can’t do this work. I can’t do this work. No human can do this work. Only God.

We can’t ascend the mountain with our own effort. We can’t reach the heights by subtle thoughts or esoteric knowledge. We can’t buy or bribe our way in.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.- John 10:1

We can only surrender in our own weakness, aware of our own destitute inabilities. Aware that we are full of selfishness, pride and deceit. Yet knowing God is pure, good and true we can trust in Him. If we give ourselves to Him, He will give us His spirit and His spirit will awaken our minds and hearts and take out our heart of stone and place in us a heart of flesh.

Only God can purify us. Only God can set our minds straight and help us think clearly. His Word washes us and clears the debris and litter the world leaves with its noise, adverts, attractions and distractions.

Lifting up our hearts to Jesus and giving ourselves to Him. He will carry us. Bear us up and shield us.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. - Psalm 91:4

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. -Psalm 91:2-4

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. - Ephesians 6:12

A word for today