Growing Nearer to God (4)

(8) Labour for sincerity in all our actions. Whatever we do for God or man, do it with a single eye, resolved to please God. Let men say what they will, 'a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways' (James 1:8); and what is a double-minded man, but one that has one eye on God, and the other on those he is trying to please? If God fails him, he will at least have the favour of men, or wealth. Such are gross pretenders; and in time, they will be seen as having a religion that served as a cloak for their vile hypocrisy. These God loathes and will 'spit them out' (Rev. 3:16).
(9) Observe the first motions of God's Spirit; and give diligent heed to them, for by these God knocks for entrance into the heart. 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock' (Rev. 3:20). God is near when he knocks, when he puts inclinations into the heart, and sharpens them with afflictions. If we stop our ears, we may say God was near to us, but if he once ceases knocking, our mouths will forever be stopped. It is for this reason that so many live daily under the means of grace and yet live in vile courses. They resisted the first motions of God's Spirit and follow instead their lusts, and so God pronounces a curse: 'Make this people's heart dull' (Isa. 6:10). On the contrary, those who will open to God while he continues knocking, God will come in and make an everlasting tabernacle in them, and sup with them (Rev. 3:20).
(10) Take up against the daily controversies that arise in us through the inconstancy of our deceivable hearts. Repentance must be every day's work, renewing our covenant, especially every morning and evening. Repair breaches by confession and considering the fickleness of our hearts. Commit your heart to God by prayer; 'Knit my heart to you, that I may fear your name' (Psa. 86:11).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Saint's Happiness Works, vol. 7, pp. 75
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