Perception vs. Reception

The average believer has more knowledge then he needs. He could freely diagnose any situation that comes into his life. Although he may know much about the Lord, he has not truly received it until he starts appropriating it in his daily life.

Matthew 10:8b says, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” The Christian will know that he has received something from God when he begins to give it out to those he contacts each day. For example, there may be a husband who knows that he should love his wife and teach his children the Word of God, but he will not do it. Why? Because he has perceived the Word, yet has not really received the saying in his heart to a point where it is a fine conviction by which he operates. “The hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Proverbs 10:4b). Diligence means that a child of God has sharp convictions in what he believes.

Diligence is the fruit of proper receptivity from the Lord. Consider the things that God has given to each blood-bought believer. It is God’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom (2). He always causes His children to triumph (3). He has made us more than conquerors (4). He has seated us together with him in heavenly places (5). The Lord has not held back any spiritual blessings from His people. May they freely receive and give it to those who so desperately need it.