What daily practices help us align with God's will, avoiding Matthew 7:23's warning? Setting the Context: Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” Christ’s warning shows that words or even impressive works mean nothing without a life genuinely aligned with the Father’s will. The following daily practices keep us known by the Lord rather than dismissed as “workers of lawlessness.” Keep Your Heart Saturated in Scripture • Schedule unhurried time each day to read and meditate (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16-17). • Read with the intent to obey, not just to accumulate knowledge (James 1:22). • Memorize key verses to guide decisions when no Bible is open. Pray Continually and Transparently • Converse with God throughout the day—adoration, confession, petition, thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Ephesians 6:18). • Invite the Spirit to search and expose hidden sin so nothing separates you from fellowship (Psalm 139:23-24). • Expect direction; then act on what He shows (John 10:27). Practice Immediate Obedience • When Scripture or the Spirit convicts, respond at once—delay hardens the heart (John 14:15). • Start with the obvious: honesty, sexual purity, forgiving offenders, generosity. • Keep short accounts with God and people; unresolved sin breeds lawlessness (1 John 1:9). Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Consciously yield your desires and plans to the Spirit’s control each morning (Galatians 5:16). • Watch for the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, etc.—as evidence you’re on course (Galatians 5:22-23). • Reject anything that diminishes sensitivity to Him: media, conversations, habits. Pursue Authentic Fellowship • Meet regularly with believers for worship, encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Allow trusted friends to ask hard questions about your walk. • Serve the body with your gifts; service cements truth into practice (1 Peter 4:10). Embrace a Lifestyle of Worship • Offer your entire life—work, study, relationships—as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). • Cultivate gratitude in every circumstance; thankfulness guards against rebellion (Colossians 3:17). • Sing praises privately and corporately; worship recalibrates the heart to God’s greatness. Live Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly • Evaluate daily choices by Micah 6:8: – Justice: am I treating others fairly? – Mercy: am I extending grace? – Humility: am I depending on God rather than self? • Small acts—returning extra change, honoring a difficult boss—keep conscience tender. Engage in Self-Examination • End each day reviewing thoughts, words, and deeds under God’s light (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Confess failures, rejoice in forgiveness, plan concrete steps for growth. • Revisit Matthew 7:21-23 often; let its sober message drive fresh commitment. When these rhythms shape our days, we move from merely saying “Lord, Lord” to truly doing the Father’s will. Jesus then delights to say, “Well done,” rather than, “I never knew you.” |
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