There is little fire in their belly, but there is love in their heart.
Fear may assault them, and that frequently, but their assurance is firm.
The world may call to them daily and often, but their eyes look forward to an eternity in the presence of the Living God.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
There are few that earnestly seek for the wisdom of the Almighty, diligently and continuously, there are few that pray without ceasing for Spiritual discernment, for a heart that can discern between good and evil. There are few that follow hard after the Lord, asking always for truth. It is not the life that most who have been born-again would chose, but that does not mean they love Him less, in fact, it is in a godly way envied by those who have sought diligently for those four items, for it is the foundation of service to the Lord, to simply love Him who gave His life for us, who cares for us.
Others though want to start building upon that foundation, to see the building grow.
No one lays the foundation of a house and then moves in to live there, but not all desire to work diligently beside the master carpenter as the walls are set, as the beams are placed, for there is little time for anything else. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28)
Those who have prayed, and continue earnestly in prayer, understand full well Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” As well as the truth of Ecclesiastes 1:18, “For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” And those who do so, those who are being blessed with this unspeakable blessing rejoice daily, for the Lord was a man well acquainted with sorrow and grief, and to be conformed into the image of the Son of God is the goal.
The wisdom that can only come from the Lord is the first step, Spiritual discernment and that heart that can easily, by the power of the Holy Spirit, discern between good and evil, cannot arrive without wisdom first. Truth understood is possible without wisdom, but only at its foundation.
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” (Col. 1:9)
Love is the foundation, but to begin to build upon that foundation, one must be willing to live a life of frustration, of grief and sorrow. One must be willing to forsake all this world has to offer, to wear continuously the armor offered to all, to learn to wield the sword of truth, the Word of God, with efficacy and without respect of men.
One must be willing to bear the cross and to die to self.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)
But the man who desires these things must understand fully that the foundation is love, and on that foundation is where most who have been crucified with Christ are willing to stay.
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1)
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13)
The frustrations towards them, towards our brothers and sisters in Christ who indeed love the Lord but have decided to sit, as it were, on a part of the path, must be hindered in the man of God who desires to build upon that foundation at all times. Not all who are saved desire to live a life of grief and sorrow, not all desire to be in the fellowship of His suffering. Not all desire to hear “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Love is the foundation, but there is more than a foundation to be built.
