Walk Worthy (2)

Beloved, it is a great power that must make a true Christian, no less than the same 'power of the Spirit, that raised Christ from the dead' (Eph. 1:20). Paul prays that they might 'feel the power that raised Christ from the dead' (Eph. 1:19). It is no less power for Christ to shine in our dark hearts, than to 'make light to shine out of darkness' (2 Cor. 4:6).
Now, what power is in the lives of most moral men? The 'power that raised Christ from the dead'? Certainly no! What power is there in now and then speaking a good word, or now and then to doing a slight action? Is this the 'power that raised Christ from the dead,' when by the strength of nature men can do it? There must be something above nature to justify a sound, spiritual Christian. We must have something to show that we have our spirits raised up by the Spirit of Christ. In prosperity, to show that we have a spirit above prosperity, that we are not proud of it. In adversity, that we not sink under it. In temptation by arming ourselves with a spirit of faith, to beat back the 'fiery darts of Satan' (Eph. 6:16). When all things seem contrary, let us cast ourselves, by a spirit of faith, upon Christ. Doing so argues a powerful work of the Spirit, when we can, in contraries, believe contraries.
We show we are Christians when we look with the eye of faith through all discouragements and clouds, and see God reconciled in Christ. Let us labour, not only for slight outward performances that are easy for anyone to do, but by an inward frame of soul, and by a carriage and conversation becoming our profession, let us 'walk worthy of our calling' (Eph. 4:1), fruitfully and watchfully, carefully and soberly, as becomes a Christian.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Fountain Opened, Works, vol. 5, pp. 495-96
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