Defeating
the Thieves of Movement - Part IV
by Dr. John Tetsola
Last month we learned that moving deeper in God requires sacrifice. Sacrifice is the ability to move beyond the place of comfort and conformity in our lives. The rich ruler wanted more of God, but he was unwilling to pay the price. But the price you’re unwilling to pay will determine the depth in God you’ll never obtain. Moving deeper in God also requires discipline. Discipline enforces obedience in areas of our lives. Paul said, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…” (1 Cor. 9:27). Now, let’s see how to locate and defeat the thieves of moving deeper in God.[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection…
Philippians 3:10a (AMP)Paul was focused on becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with God. He knew that the outflow and demonstration of God’s power upon his life was the direct result of knowing Christ, and experiencing the wonders of His Person. Although Paul was very gifted and learned, he knew that moving deeper in God required far more than mere head knowledge and pedigree. Our evidence of growth is not in the accumulation of knowledge, but it is in the practice, appropriation, and application of that knowledge.
LOCATING THE THIEVES OF MOVEMENT
There are thieves that hinder our spiritual movement in God and cause stagnation. The word stagnation means ‘to be dull and void of energy to accomplish a thing.’ The following are some of the thieves of spiritual movement:
Conformity to the world. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Conformity strips you of your ability to be transformed, and without transformation there is no spiritual movement.
The notion of personal arrival. Moving deeper in God destroys the feeling of personal arrival and accomplishment in God. Paul said, “Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on...” (Phil. 3:12, AMP).
The fear of launching into the deep. Psalm 107:23-24 reveals that those who do business in great waters will “…see the works of the LORD, and [His] wonders in the deep.” The deep things of God are rarely seen in shallow waters.
HOW TO DEFEAT THE THIEVES OF MOVEMENT
FIRST, refresh your passion. To refresh means ‘to arouse and stimulate back to life.’ Passion is the fuel of the will. The greater your fire, the greater your desire. SECOND, die to this life and maintain God as your priority. God should never be a part of our life; He must be our life. “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory” (Col. 3:3-4, NLT). FINALLY, don’t remain content with past accomplishments. The past you’re content with has the potential to immobilize your advancement. While the past was good, your future in God holds so much more.