James 5:16 "the effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth much"
For many years I have been a slothful, lazy, powerless, and aloof Christian. The lack of righteousness and impurity clouded my spiritual gaze. It hampered my peace, my hope, and specifically the effectiveness of my prayers.
However, I have come to learn the antidote to such Christian ineptness: Walking right with the Lord in all ways. Cutting the throat of sin at its very inception before it can take root. "The ax is already at the root of the trees". "Take every thought captive to make it obedient". The power of Christ is only bridled if we do not take an uncompromising approach.
To be righteous is to be right with God. When we are right with God we have put away the things of this world and have put on Christ. In Christ we are able to walk the straight and narrow path. Moreover, we are called to be holy as He is Holy. Meaning we are to set ourselves apart for honorable use. We are to dedicate our lives to the will of the Father. In light of this, we are given power through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that lives in each believer. Those Christians who look to stay right with God are promised as much.
In order to continue in righteousness a believer must submit to the daily task of mortification. The believer must look to the mortification of sin continually throughout each day and start anew on their endeavour. We must put to death the members of our destruction. However, we cannot do this ourself. Only through progessive righteousness brought by the power of the Holy Ghost can such a daunting task be accomplished.
Christian, the freedom bestowed upon us by the cross is much more than salvation, though that would be enough. It is freedom from the current besetting sins that plague our lives. It's freedom from all condemnation because their is no condemnation in Christ. My beloved, if we take serious the calling the Lord has put on our lives then we can unleash the power of God; that He has so freely given to us. The same power that made the heavens and the earth. The same power that parted the red sea and Jordan river. The same power that conquered armies, healed the sick, healed the lame, and raised the dead. That power is in each and every Christian. When I am walking right with the Lord I feel that power. Not my own power, but divine power that can be used for heavenly purposes. Christians, take hold of that power and be effectual followers of Christ. Feel the peace given to a subdued nature. Feel the vigorous life He wants for us all. Develop the gifts of the Spirit that have been hampered by the lusts of this world. Join me and let's enjoy the glory the Lord has willed for us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
