Brokenness and Discipline (part 1)

 

A complete consecration is necessary in order to break THE OUTWARD MAN. However, we must recognise that this alone won't take care of all of our service-related issues. Consecration can happen in minutes and is simply an outward sign of our readiness to be in God's hands. Do not believe that God can complete His work in this brief period of time. We are only at the beginning of our spiritual journey,

despite our willingness to give God our entire selves. It's like going through the gate. The Holy Spirit's discipline is required after consecration; this is the road. To make us vessels suitable for the Master's use, consecration and the Holy Spirit's discipline are necessary. Without consecration, it is difficult for the Holy Spirit to discipline us. Consecration, however, cannot take the place of His discipline.

The Holy Spirit disciplines according to His own light, whereas our consecration can only be to the extent of our spiritual knowledge and awareness. This is a crucial distinction. We are genuinely unaware of the extent of our devotion. Even when it appears brightest to us, our light is so limited that, from God's perspective, it is as dark as complete darkness. In our limited understanding, God's requirements are much above what we could devote. The Holy Spirit's discipline, on the other hand, is applied to us in accordance with what we deserve as determined by God's own standards. Because He is aware of our unique needs, He uses His Spirit to direct our circumstances in a way that causes the external man to be broken. Take note of how the Holy Spirit's discipline extends far beyond our consecration.

The Holy Spirit's discipline is entire and complete because He operates in accordance with God's light. We frequently question why certain things happen to us, but if left to our own discretion, we might not make the wisest decision. The discipline He demands is above our comprehension. How often do we find ourselves taken off guard and come to the conclusion that something so dramatic is not what we need? He frequently disciplines us without warning and in the most unexpected ways. Despite our complaints, the Holy Spirit is interacting with us in accordance with God's light. He has been orchestrating our circumstances for our benefit since the moment we accepted Him, in accordance with His knowledge of us.

Author: Watchman Nee

Compiled and edited by: Peter O. Olutoyese