Just as a sharp object is required to circumcise the male reproductive organ, so also does the new testament circumcision, require our spiritual hearts to be circumcised with God’s word, the sword of the Spirit, which is sharper than any two edged sword and discerns the soul and spirit, exposing our innermost thoughts and desires to us in the light of God’s word (Hebrews 4).

Could it not be the case that the reason why a change is often not seen in the lifestyles of many who profess to be Christians, and who may even have actually accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, is probably because many of us do not allow the Word of God to prune our lives?

We stated earlier, that the circumcision of the male sexual organ, according to experts, not only shapes the organ, but also prevents it from attracting diseases.  Similarly, once we allow the Word of God to trim our hearts, and we align our thoughts, emotions, will power and decisions with God’s Word, we become more like Christ in character and ultimately become more fruitful in our walk with the Lord.  Indeed Christ Himself taught his followers extensively that his true disciples will be recognized by their fruits. (John 15)

You will recognize them by their fruits….. So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Matt 7:16-19 ESV

A holistic study of the Scriptures show that the manifestation of this fruit in our lives is evidenced in how we relate with one another and in how we react to the issues and trials that confront us in our individual lives. (1 Pet 1:22)

God’s intent for man is to be fruitful and multiply, and a productive heart yields the fruit of the Spirit outlined below:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Gal 5:22-23 NKJV

This is only possible when by the Spirit of God, we subdue the works of the flesh.   As we regularly examine ourselves carefully in the mirror of God’s Word, our weaknesses and flaws are exposed to us.  Our thoughts and desires, actions, inactions and motives among others that mar and taint us in God’s sight, are revealed to us, by the power of His Word. The more exposed we are to God’s word, the more our individual attitudes and actions that conflict with His word are laid bare before us.

It is important therefore, for every child of God to routinely submit him or herself to pruning by the spiritual sword – God’s Word.  This process may sometimes hurt our pride, and at other times make us seem foolish, in the eyes of others; nonetheless as we persevere in pleasing God in all our ways, a transformation in our lifestyles is seen by all.

For example, in the books of Romans and Hebrews, we read:

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:18

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Heb 12:14 ESV

When we are awakened to our weaknesses in the light of these Scriptures, and learn that our holiness before God is linked to our relationships with one another; we will, in seeking to please God, choose not to insist on our individual rights, whenever we find ourselves in a potentially contentious situation, but rather submit to the other party’s notion or alternative, for the purpose of avoiding conflicts and animosity, so long as it would not be harmful to any of the persons concerned.

As we continually seek to please God and allow His word to shape us, we will gradually be transformed in our thoughts and actions to become more Christ-like.  We will realize that with time, our actions are subsequently not motivated by self-interest, but rather by an earnest desire to consider the interests of others above ours. (Philipp. 2)

Similarly, the joy of the Lord will bubble from within us at all times, as we take delight in fulfilling God’s will for our lives.

Peace floods our hearts as we trust God with the issues in our lives; and we become more patient as we take inspiration from the trials and triumphs of the heroes of faith (Rom 15:4).

All this however begins when you believe with your heart that Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for your sin and confess Him as the Lord and Saviour of your life (John 3:16-18).  If you have not done this, I encourage you to do so.  Only when this is done, can our hearts be circumcised with the spiritual sword of God’ Sword, and we become more like Christ.  For He says:

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  John 15:1-3   NKJV

God richly bless you!

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