A moment's reflection demands the realization that anything we accomplish on our own without complete surrender fattens our hearts the more. An absolute hands down "I give up" approach is all it takes to give the Master His carving tool. Consider the botch job we make of ourselves. At best, we barely survive the nasty infection which results from our work. The fat remains and grows. At worst, we die--completely caught up in our own abilities we are separated from the only One who saves lives.
Meditate on the the Word of God. Jesus had to die. Our understanding that His blood was "completely necessary for me lest I die" is the only way He can accomplish His work in us. This is the message that must be shared with others! And understanding, of even greater necessity, that the resurrection is the finished work of Christ, allows us to embrace the life we're given when God circumcises our hearts.
"...What does the Lord require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him...The Lord has set his heart in love on...you above all peoples...Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn." Deuteronomy 10:12-16
