Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

RELIGIOUS RUT AND REVIVAL

A class of learned philosophers would have a verbal field day if asked to define a rut. But, a Southern, homespun definition is more to my liking: a rut is simply a grave with both ends kicked out!

In earlier days of the last century, most roads were dirt beds. In rainy seasons an automobile would make ruts in the mud, then all who came after would drive the ruts for fear of becoming stuck. Before long the ruts deepened, and soon an automobile might actually become stuck in the ruts as the higher center of the road lifted the car, denying traction to the drive wheels; hence, stuck in a rut was an all too common experience. This may serve as an allegory to the course of life. Christians become robotic in a stale routine (rut) until meaningful, vibrant, personal, Christian joy is lost. Enough already!

It is not always a good thing to follow along in ruts someone else has created. If there is fear outside the ruts, there is also the mountaintop blessings of fulfilled purpose. When the disciples in a boat saw Jesus walking towards them on the water, they feared, but the need then as now is for God’s people to get out of the boat and into the water. It is called an exercise in personal faith! Moreover, there is no spirit of revival like such faith being exercised.

God would stir us. He would stir us up. Do not pray for a revival for someone else: pray for one for yourself! Inside you resides the gift of God. It is eternal life; it is hope; it is love, power, and a sound mind. These things must not lie dormant, but flow outwardly through genuine dedication to the Savior, and genuine love for lost souls. If that is not happening, it just may be that you have struck high center in the ruts of life. But, there is a remedy. It is the joy of one on one meetings with Jesus: true revival!

The apostle Paul told Timothy, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” 2 Tim. 1:6. Who is to take the initiative here? It was Timothy, and it is all of us who wish to live in the true joy of God’s blessings. Get out of the rut, and onto the road!

FOR THOUGHT: Why are you what you are? Are you trusting some teacher, preacher or family member? Do you think there is anyone worthy of trust with your never-dying soul other than Hom Who died to save it? Is the manner of your life honoring the eternal Creator/Savior? List at least four things in your life that is consistently honoring Jesus.