Pleasing God With a Disciplined Life

For years I have transferred this quote onto the first page of every prayer journal:

"Observed duties maintain our credit, but secret duties maintain our life." (John Flavel 17th Century Clergyman)

There are duties that we do, that others see but then there are duties we do, that no one will ever see. It's the secret duties - the duty of studying God's word and praying daily - that maintain our lives.

How are you doing with your secret duties? Did you make a new year resolution to read your Bible daily, to memorize some new verses, or to start a prayer journal? Often times the busyness of life squelches out time even though the desire is still there. But if you've gotten off course - do not despair!!! God is not a legalistic God - he loves you so.


Here's what Elizabeth George says about discipline:

"You do it because it is what you need to do and are supposed to do and because it is the right thing to do... somehow... the duty of the discipline turns into sheer delight and we reap the blessings of a priceless, tender relationship with the Lord a thousandfold."

This has rang true in my life. I do not always enthusiastically open God's word - yet I always know I need a word from God no matter how busy I am.

Do you remember the story of Enoch? Genesis 5:24 says, "Enoch walked with God and then he was no more because God took him away." Hebrews 11:5 tells us why he was taken away - "By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken he was commended as one who pleased God."

Why should we maintain our secret duties in our walk with God? Because it pleases God. Do you want to please God? Then today discipline yourself to "Walk with the King"!

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