We need to learn this scriptural principle that the Holy Spirit works in us to enable us to live lives pleasing to God. He does not do the work for us, rather, He enables us to do the work. We often use the expression, “Let the Lord live His life through me.” I am personally uncomfortable with this expression because it suggests a passivity on our part. He does not live His life through me. Rather, as I depend on Him, He enables me to live a life pleasing to Him…..It is the idea that we can do nothing but trust that is particularly troubling to me. I believe that the psalmist - and Nehemiah and Paul - would say, “Man’s part is to trust and work. God’s part is to enable the man or woman to do the work.” Or perhaps it is more helpful to say, “Our part is to work, but to do so in reliance upon God to enable us to work.” God’s work does not make our work unnecessary, but rather makes it effective. Paul did not say, “Christ shows contentment through me.” Rather, he said, “I have learned to be content through Him who gives me strength.”
Jerry Bridges
(from The Discipline of Grace)
