“Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh” (James 3:11-12).
This metaphor has slightly changed, but hopefully you get the point. In our age, people think they can be of the world, and also of the Lord. You cannot mix good and evil. Mind you, we are all mixed up and we need the Lord’s help, which is why we pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” The plea here is for you to take seriously the work that needs to be done in order that You may be in the Lord now and forever.
The salvation part belongs to the Lord. Only He can do this, but you must be a willing participant. Each time you fall, get back up. Look to the Lord and move forward. Sometimes you’ll even take a few steps backward. You’ll find that somehow or other this stumbling will have done you some good. Come then and be on the journey of becoming like Christ and know that He will complete you.
Lord Jesus, you must be the author and finisher of my faith, for without You these things are impossible. Help me see where I am mixing things up and then help me to willingly walk with You as You go to work in me. Guide me to be intentional about all that I say and do. Help me to look for the good and shun the evil in me. Above all things, give me grace for others as they too struggle. Amen.
