Effectiveness

I woke up this morning with a song of praise. The kids were all moving in harmony. While brushing my teeth, I began to get agitated. I thought to myself, how was it that in such a short span of time I went from having my mind made up, focused on Christ's plan for my day and ready to seize every opportunity, to this funky, yes I said "funky" disposition. Standing in the mirror I questioned, "What happened?"

My mind on a quest to find the answer, I continued to brush. Brushing teeth is sort of like driving home from your local grocer. Your mind goes on auto-pilot. You never consider the route to get home, and then suddenly, you pull up to the driveway. Just as I had been during in this morning’s episode, until I became sensitive to the sudden change in the atmosphere. Gratefully my quest to search out the matter, that vexed my spirit, lead me to revelation that I wanted to share today.

Soon, I realized I was becoming fatigued from brushing my teeth. Now, I I remember, I had continuously forgotten to replace the batteries in my sonic toothbrush.

For years my husband had celebrated this new discovery. It offered the latest technological system to save time while effectively doing the mundane job of teeth brushing. Now, my oral hygiene along with the overall health of my teeth, in my opinion, testified that the good ole fashion manual brushing was sufficient. Therefore I couldn't justify the cost of this pricey instrument. It seems we were in long term marathon to prove which technique was better, until the day he came home and surprised me with my very own. He demonstrated how the new life changing Sonicare would benefit me. Reluctantly, I used it for the first time, a couple of days later. We'll it's been a year since I began using it. In the routine of my mornings, I rely on the advanced technology of the Philips Sonicare toothbrush with its unique dynamic action to gently and effectively accomplish brushing my teeth in 2 minutes.

My discovery… for days I've been using my sonic toothbrush manually. My method of using the device caused me to suffering from its weight. Which leads me to the question? Just how effective did I think using this advanced power toothbrush would be with no power? Certainly this was not what Philips had in mind when they promised to deliver unconventional results.

Often times as Christians we undergo suffering, much to the same effect of this simple illustration. We struggle through life until we recognize Christ and what he affords us through Salvation. He has equipped us and promotes us to effectiveness in the Kingdom. Before we know it our lives have grossly improved and we begin to take God for granted. We stop praising him, worshiping Him and replace our time with Him for other things. Then something goes amiss, it changes our ability to perform as we ought to. Our lives become tedious. But we never consider the irony of being redeemed yet still living subject to our current condition. Remember Christ offers us abundant life, but we'll fall short when we fail to do the necessary maintenance required to obtain it. Reading our Bible and spending time with God recharges us.

This morning God reminded me that He has replaced the old standards and the former mechanics of operating with new and effective tools He's awarded us.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

God's word is a device; sometimes we use it like I was using the toothbrush, without the power. Daily quoting scripture, without the power is of non-effect. God's word must be used with the Holy Spirit to deliver the intended results of accomplishing God's will. Our motivator should be with the will of God. I'm learning to apply the word of God in conjunction with His will and I can see mysteries unfolding before my eyes. The Bible states that God will not be mocked so we are only fooling ourselves when we cling to traditions and go through the motions without ever turning the power on. Could this be why some don’t produce fruit? Are they merely going through the motions?


When I recognized the issue, I hurried to complete the task and moved to the mouth rinse. Suddenly I could see the effects of my neglecting to replace the batteries which had consequences that were sure signs that I had ignored. Because the brushing had become so laborious I began despising the ritual which resorted in a lack of attention to my gum line. These past couple of days they had been bleeding. Possible because I had neglected flossing to make up for the time I was spending on the brushing. I even missed brushing altogether in the evenings before bed. Likewise, God gives us signs too.

Just because you are functioning does not mean you are effective. Function will never deliver the same effect as applying wisdom and valuing understanding. I don't think I ever expressed my gratitude or acknowledged my appreciation my husband. The toothbrush was indeed a great investment. Note to myself, tell Denny "Thank-You," today.

Commit to following the instructions God has given under the direction of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, His revelation will be apparent in your life. Don't resort to old tactics and coping mechanisms that were birth out of the flesh. Through Christ we have gifts. It's up to us to use them. We must be sensitive to change the course when we get stuck in a rut. Time is of the essences.

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11.

May the revelation of the desire to function effectively in the earth bring those who are girded in truth to the straight path to accomplish God’s will in our lives.

-a servant's heart

Disclaimer. A servant's utterance is copyright protected (c) 2011 a servant's heart and the information contained expresses personal views and values of a servant’s heart. The passage in its entirely may be forwarded or linked without consequence however, for any non-personal excerpt for print or publication should request consent from a servant's heart prior to use.