It is commonly understood and agreed upon that our usefulness to God will remain hindered by any degree of self-righteousness. It is said, and it is true, that until we see the depth of our corruption, we have not fully experienced the full light of revelation. Those who have had the glory of God illuminate the depth of their depravity cry out like both Isaiah and Paul - "O wretched man that I am." Yet, this revelation in itself is not the goal God has for us. Even if we become fully aware of how thoroughly corrupt we are - we can still miss God's mark entirely.Paul tells us what the true mark of the high calling is and the reason God wants us to fully recognize our own sinful depravity. Honesty and true confession are NOT the goal - only steps toward the goal. So what is the goal if mere recognition and confession of our depravity still falls short of the mark?Here is what Paul stated as the goal - "But entirely STRIP OFF and PUT AWAY the old man with its practices." God does not want a single germ of the old man still clinging to us. His goal for us is to become completely renewed, having stripped away and discarded the old man and fully put on the new man "created to be like God in righteousness and holiness of the truth." Don't fall into the error that many make and stop short of the mark of the high calling of God. Admission of our corruption is not the goal - ANNIHILATION and ELIMINATION of it is! Get rid of every germ from the first Adam and be completely renewed into the image of the LAST Adam.
_________________Alan and Dina Martin
Amen brother, I read this today and it speaks in-part of what you are showing here:2 Timothy 2:20-21New International Version (NIV)20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who CLEANSE THEMSELVES from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
Pray that each man and woman who loves the Lord will come to that Isaiah 6 reality. And if they have forgotten it, ask God to reveal it again! Who is it that said, 'the way up is down'. Pride creeps in so fast and easily. Holy. Holy. Holy. is our God.L