Sid's Recovery

As I consider what it means to be entirely ready to have God remove my defects of character, it seems to me that a large part of that readiness has to do with the constant surrender of my will to God's. I want God to will and do in my life according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13), but am I willing to do my part? And, just what is my part? As I've considered that question, I came across this quote that is giving me a clearer understanding. I'm still reading it over and over, praying for wisdom, understanding, and a willing heart.

"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress... A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end." (Desire of Ages p. 324).

WOW! When it comes to this "progressive work of a lifetime" (sanctification), there is no neutral ground. All my righteousness is as "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). My only hope of living a Godly life is by maintaining a constant vital connection with God.

"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character." (Step 6)