7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. –Matthew 7:7-8
Sincere hearts that seek the Lord receive. Guaranteed. It’s worth mentioning that it may not be the exact answer or outcome you’re looking for, but that’s another topic completely. God says, “seek and you will find.”
So why do some seem to receive a greater measure of wisdom, revelation, insight, compassion, etc.? God desires and invites us to seek, but the measure we receive is tied to the measure we are surrendered. Here’s how C.S. Lewis put it,
From Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
He goes on to say that sunlight isn’t choosing favorites by shining more brightly through a clean window than a dirty one. The condition of the window is what determines how much sun gets through.
He amount of Himself He will reveal is tied to our conditions and attitudes. Unforgiveness limits us. Lack of Christian community restricts us. Unbridled lusts confine us. The same can be said for greed, envy, immorality, and every other corrupted heart issue.
This gives me even more fuel to put myself in the Holy Spirit’s revelatory hands and deal with all that would hinder me. I can be upset that God shows Himself to someone else in powerful ways, but that doesn’t make any sense. I need to allow Him to renew and wash and bring me nearer, and He will do just that.
That dirty window I mentioned earlier has no recourse. It is impossible for it to clean itself, but when the master comes to clean house, the washing comes. Of course, while we cannot clean ourselves, we are not windows. We can receive or reject what God offers, but it’s worth it to submit to His process.
And in so doing, you can expect an increase of knowing Him as you ask, seek, and knock.
Your turn: what do you think about this?
This is part of our book club discussion on Week 24 of Mere Christianity (disclosure) by C.S. Lewis. We are taking a sentence, paragraph, or passage that inspires, encourages, or challenges and writing about it. If you have a response on your blog, add it in the link widget below and be sure to check out the other entries. Also head over to my friend and co-facilitator, Sarah Salter’s blog for another great take. Whether you’ve read the chapter or not, please share your thoughts! We always appreciate a vibrant conversation.
15 Comments
I’m glad that God has taken the initiative to relate with us.
And I am glad He sports THE heavy duty window cleaner of all time.
Dusty Rayburn recently posted..A Personal God: Our Goal, Our Motivation, Our Way
Amazing how grimy that sin gets caked on there, right?
Thanks Dusty.
It’s something I try and teach my college students -- you have the relationship with God that you want right now. If it’s not strong and it seems like he is blessing everyone but you, it may be because you aren’t in the right place. Powerful post, Jason.
Jason Vana recently posted..The Dreaded Tolerance Card
Exactly--He is no respecter of persons, but He responds to hunger and faith. Submission to His process opens up such an amazing freedom! Thanks so much, Jason.
Ah, this is so good.
I’m being drawn to Philippians 2 that says, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This work is simply a work to understand HIS work in us -- i.e. the cleaning process. Even the ability to see Him more clearly comes from Him!
Ryan Tate recently posted..Curators for the Master Artist
Yes! It’s His work and His kindness that leads us to repentance and transformation. None of us can boast, but we can certainly be thankful for this grace! Thank you, Ryan.
I love how you pointed out that the window can’t clean itself. That probably resounds in me so much because I’ve often tried to find ways to make myself more presentable to God and even to the Church. But there’s no way I can except to allow God to put the Holy Windex on me and scrub away.
Sarah Salter recently posted..Mere Christianity: Hooked on a Feeling
They probably sell “holy windex” at the Christian bookstore, but I know what you mean!
Thanks Sarah.
I think it’s great how God cleans us from the inside out -- nothing that we can do ourselves. It’s humbling when with all our efforts we may feel somewhat “cleaner” and even “justified”. However, He is the only one who can fully assess our situation and doing the deep cleaning of our lives. It’s interesting that in the book excerpt that you listed, that God does not always show Himself -- He waits for those who have the right heart. It reminds me of what Jesus said about why he spoke in parables -- not everyone would be able to receive the truth -- and those that were able -- would see it. Ultimately they would see truth -- and Jesus through them.
Oh yes, that conviction power of the Holy Spirit. It wrecks us then restores us. Great thoughts, Cindy. Thanks so much.
I, too, like how you pointed out that the window can’t clean itself. Maybe that’s why this chapter reminded me of a Psalm.
Helen recently posted..Reflection
Thank you, Helen.
I cannot share all that I think about this because a lot of the revelation from God is personal. However, I will say that when God cleans house He does it thoroughly ans the house is never the same. Thank God for His awesome cleaning power.
Shywanda Patrice recently posted..The Power of Words
Mr. Clean ain’t got nothin’ on God--that’s for sure.
Thanks Shywanda. He’s always faithful to do what we can’t.
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