Jesus says He came that we “may have life” and “have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). So, He offers us amazing grace and a suite of great grace gifts to realize His promises. Spiritual alignment is a grace in which we can find great benefits.
RELEVANCE
God looks for us to appreciate and actively move in His grace. So, He helps us prepare our mind and heart and position our self to be sensitive to actively hear and receive His prompting and instruction, then wholeheartedly respond with intentionality and purpose.
So, it takes different dimensions of being postured and positioned to receive from God to do what God looks for us to do. What do these dimensions of being postured and positioned encompass? Consider the following aspects relating to being postured and positioned.
Kneeling: This brings us to the place of humility before God. It takes humbling one’s self in faith to kneel before an Almighty God who lives and wields the mysterious, yet dynamic power of the universe. Kneeling before Him shows reverence, respect and honor. It shows Him we hold His sovereignty in childlike awe and need His grace, leadership and greater solutions.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:8-10).
Sitting: This brings us to the place of receiving instruction from God. We all need instruction to know what things to do and how to do them. In whatever ways we are gifted, we need instruction and training to value our gifts, be strengthened in them, and learn how to apply them to generate fruitful outcomes. David, the man after God’s own heart, learned the value of continuously seeking God for His instruction.
Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
— Psalm 25:4-5
Standing: This relates to being upright and ready to face whatever you may encounter. It’s interesting that the apostle Paul relates six aspects of “the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Consider the armor six offensive and defensive tools or weapons of grace God has ordained to help us stand firm, strong and stay our ground in times of challenges and conflict. These include: the belt of truth (to be fastened in truth); breastplate of righteousness (to keep our heart pure); shoes of preparation (to stand in God’s principles and peace); shield of faith (to quench attacks and deception); helmet of salvation (mind focused on God’s saving graces); sword of the Spirit (the word of God breathed by His Holy Spirit).
Walking: This relates to the various aspects of our walk with the Lord and our fellow man. Paul speaks about walking “circumspectly” (Ephesians 5:15). What is he talking about? Walking or carrying out your endeavors with purpose, discipline, order, diligence, intentionality and faithfulness. These ways are in stark contrast to ways of walking casually, randomly or carelessly. He also talks about walking in love and in wisdom—God’s higher ways.
Paul also speaks about walking “in the spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25). What does he mean? He encourages us to walk being led and guided by the Holy Spirit—or under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He is encouraging walking in the ways Jesus instructed His disciples to walk: “when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-15).
So, Jesus teaches us to walk in alignment with God—with His ways, truth and life—as He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As we follow Him and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth, we learn to live in rhythm with Him and alignment with His ways—which are higher than our ways. These ways are for our good and His glory. Hear His heart as you consider the Message version of Matthew 11:29-30:
Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
REFLECTION
How do you find God meeting you in each of these postures?
Which of these postures and positions do you think you might need to strengthen?