I have an identical twin sister. We look the same, sound the same, and on occasion finish each others sentences. To those who may not know us well, we are impossible to tell apart. However, if you have spent any significant amount of time with either of us you would see that there are some huge differences. My twin is a very focused and intentional person, where as, I tend lean on the “stop and smell the roses” side of life. We both have always loved the story of Martha and Mary. Martha, the focused sister, cleaning away doing her best for Jesus, that was always my sister. Mary, on the other hand, who left the work unfinished and chose to relax at Jesus’s feet, now she sounds more my speed.
In this story Mary cane out smelling like roses, clearly choosing the right priorities, but it can be easy to see how Martha got a little lost. The dishes did need to be cleaned and someone had to prepare the food. Right? Just like my twin, and I, look alike at first glance, obedience and dead works can seem like carbon copies of one another. The line becomes even more blurred where serving in ministry is concerned. Someone has to teach the kids in childerns church, and the fellowship hall tables won’t set themselves up. Right? Obedience
“Pulling a Jericho”
“And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor.
“And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor.
-Joshua 6:2
Joshua chapter 6 talks about the famous biblical victory. The people marched, they shouted, and the walls fell. For some background The Israelites were lead by Joshua and this was the first city they took under his leadership. The ark was sent before the people as they marched around the the city. They prioritized Gods presence before the victory. The act of walking around the walls each day was in it’s self not enough to bring the walls down. This leaves us realize it is not our efforts that lead to victory. When we walk in obedience to Gods commands, however big or small it may seem, it leaves room for God to fight our battles. Putting faith in God and not our effort is humble obidence.
Dead Works
“Pulling an Ai”
“Pulling an Ai”
“Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-5990A" data-link="(A)” style=”line-height: 22px; vertical-align: top;”> in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.”
-Joshua 7:13
Put it simple the Israelites were are all charged up on the defeat of Jericho. The great fortified city had fallen at their feet and they simply forgot that it fell by Gods hand. So when spies went to seek out Ai they decided it should be an easy win. Instead of consulting God, Joshua defers to the spies and sent a smaller group of soldiers to handle the problem. The smaller city of Ai chased out Gods army and even killed a few of their man. Unknown to Joshua and his spies, Achan had taken treasure from Jericho against the warning of the Lord. Dead works are any efforts made to advance buy our own hand, believing that your efforts will be the key to our success. Any time we priorities our own desires and efforts above the word of the Lord we set our selves up for disaster. When we put God first we open the door for God to win our battles that simple.
So obedience or dead works. Jericho or Ai. Ask your self this question. Why am I doing this. Are you coaching the soccer team because you want everyone to think your a good Mom. Are you volunteering because you want to serve or because you don’t feel valuable
unless you’re always busy?
unless you’re always busy?
The difference between obedience and dead works would be the fruit it produces in our own lives. Stepping out in obedience can sometimes frustrate and upset the people around you but you open the door for peace in your own life. Dead works can sometimes bless and serve the people around you but leave you feeling burned out and stagnated. I encourage you to spend time with God. Sanctify yourself before him and allow him to refine your priorities. Trust him to fight your battles and lead you in victory!
Journey To A Virtuous Woman 