No Shortcuts

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 4
 
“We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
No one is born with godliness. We get it on our knees in private before the Lord. No one gets it by manipulation, nor by a public display of piety. It has to be obtained between us and our Lord, with no witness. To want to be seen by others so they will note how godly we are is hypocrisy. The very thought of it is an oxymoron. The purpose of prayer is communion with our God, and it will make us humble.
We cannot hide whether we have been in secret with the Lord or not. It will show in our manner of life — the way we talk, of what we talk, the way we respond to everyday life, even when we pray aloud. It has been said that we can have as much of Christ as we want and our lives will show how much we want. Others will be able to see how much time we actually spend in quiet communion with the Lord. There is no fast track to personal godliness. It is not gained overnight. It takes time. May our focus be on the Lord Jesus; and as we look into His wonderful face, we will be transformed into His image.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Oh, what words I hear Him say!
Happy place! so near, so precious!
May He find me there each day;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
I would look upon the past;
For His love has been so gracious,
It has won my heart at last.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where can mortal be more blest?
There I lay my sins and sorrows,
And, when weary, find sweet rest;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
There I love to weep and pray;
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort every day.
Bless me, O my Saviour, bless me,
As I sit low at Thy feet;
Oh, look down in love upon me,
Let me see Thy face so sweet;
Give me, Lord, the mind of Jesus,
Keep me holy as He is;
May I prove I’ve been with Jesus,
Who is all my righteousness.
J.H.