The Difference-Maker

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Today's Passage > Galatians chapter 5
Memory Verse> Gal. 5: 16-17

This time of year, pretty much everyone gets into the habit of looking back and taking inventory.  We spend time thinking about the things we've failed at, and we also look at our successes.  But we focus mostly on how we can do better at improving every part of our lives.  We want to be  better at our relationships, saving money, and of course giving more of ourselves to God.  Nevertheless, we're also aware of the fact that those wonderful plans end up being just that-- plans.

So what's the difference-maker?  What is it that pushes the things we desire to change about ourselves into the realm of the possible?  It's recognizing the difference between resolutions and commitments.  Resolutions are merely things WE want to accomplish for ourselves.  Some of us look at ourselves in the mirror and envision ourselves thinner and more attractive, so we resolve to work on that more diligently.  Others of us want certain things such as a new house or a new car, and so we make resolutions to save more money or pay more to get out of debt at a faster rate.  And you know what?  If we really want to be honest with ourselves, we'll admit that we make resolutions as a result of comparing ourselves with others to see how close we are to the mark of success set by this world.

Being committed has to do with not focusing on ourselves at all, but allowing God's will for us to be manifested in a greater way.  Basically, what that boils down to is making commitments that will cause God to increase in us while WE decrease.  Resolutions are all about us, while commitments are all about God.  Today's passage reminds us that all the works of the flesh keep us "me-minded", but the fruit of the Spirit point to and glorify God.  We have to decide whether we want our lives to reflect more of ourselves, or more of our Lord.  Let's take love, for example.  Love is an action word that requires giving of ourselves, while a resolution to make our relationships better may have us focusing only on what others can do for us instead of the other way around.

This week, as we re-arrange our priorities, may we remember that the works of our flesh only go so far, while the fruit of the Spirit increase the more we operate in them.  The enemy would have us to believe that only others benefit as a result of our walking in the Spirit, leaving us holding the bag.   But the opposite occurs.  The seeds of fruit that we sow grow and multiply, while nothing done just for ourselves lasts beyond us.  May we thus be encouraged to make commitments rather than resolutions.  Because ultimately, the only mark we'll press toward will be God's.  And THAT is the difference-maker.

Prayer: Father, over and over again You remind me to walk in Your ways rather than work to please only myself.  Every time I trust You and do things Your way, the seeds are long-lasting.  I just want to bring a smile to Your face and glory to Your Name in everything I do. Please help me do that today and everyday in Jesus' Name.  Amen.