Intellect vs Obedience

[sharky67]

This gem is from Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest":

The Way To Know

"If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine..."
John 7:17

The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a man wants scientific knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he can only get it by obedience. If things are dark to me, then I may be sure there is something I will not do. Intellectual darkness comes through ignorance; spiritual darkness comes because of something I do not intend to obey.

No man ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test over it. We disobey and then wonder why we don't go on spiritually. "If when you come to the altar." said Jesus, "there you remember your brother hath ought against you...don't say another word to Me, but first go and put that thing right." The teaching of Jesus hits us where we live. We cannot stand as humbugs before Him for one second. He educates us down to the scruple. The Spirit of God unearths the spirit of self-vindication; He makes us sensitive to things we never thought of before.

When Jesus brings a thing home by His Word, don't shirk it. If you do, you will become a religious humbug. Watch the things you shrug your shoulders over, and you will know why you do not go on spiritually. First go - at the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you.


Man, did this devotional yesterday ever hit home with me. As many of you know, I came out of a year-long spiritual funk just recently. I struggled with trying to understand things spiritually using only intellect, with being obedient to what God was trying to teach me. I still have a long way to go, but with God's help, daily study of God's word and correction from some dear brothers-in-Christ, I can honestly say I'm on my way. Obedience to God and His Word is key. Believe me, I've been there. Bless you brothers who have walked with me in my darkest hours, who have supported me in my weakest moments. Thanks. You guys know who you are.

Chris

[warrior]

Thanks for sharing,and one of the lessons at camp next week;choose to obey!