A Quietism Which Is Dynamism

Stillness in Him—where the power of grace begins.

Reflections on E. Stanley Jones' In Christ

E. Stanley Jones presents a paradox: true Christian life is a quietism that leads to dynamism. The world chases activity, striving, and exhaustion, yet in Christ, we find a stillness that is filled with power. Like an electrical plug resting in its socket, or a dam that harnesses a river’s force, our abiding in Christ is not inactivity but the source of all true activity. Outside of Christ, we are caught in cycles of restless striving, wearing ourselves out. But inside Christ, His grace flows through us, empowering our labor and fruitfulness. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:10 capture this reality—he worked harder than anyone, but it was not him; it was the grace of God within him.

The essence of the Christian life is not effort expended for God but effort empowered by God. When we cease our independent striving and rest in His indwelling presence, our lives become a conduit for His supernatural energy. It is not our work but His work in us. Not our striving but His grace producing through us.

Personalized Journal Entry – The Holy Spirit’s Voice

Remain in Me, and I remain in you. Apart from Me, you can do nothing, but in Me, you bear much fruit. I am the vine; you are the branch. Abide in Me, and My life flows through you, effortlessly producing what pleases the Father. Cease from your own labor and step into the quiet power of My presence, where My grace labors through you.

The world hurries, runs, and strains—but those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength. They rise up on wings like eagles, soaring without weariness, walking without fainting. You have no need to exhaust yourself trying to manufacture what only My Spirit can bring forth. It is not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit that all things are accomplished.

Paul labored abundantly, but it was not his strength—it was My grace within him, working through yielded hands and surrendered feet. I will do the same through you. Let go of the illusion of self-sufficiency. Rest in the reality of My sufficiency. Do not run in circles like those who toil without Me. Instead, be still and know that I am God. Be still and know that I am your life. Be still and move in My power.

Scripture References: John 15:4-5, Isaiah 40:31, Zechariah 4:6, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Psalm 46:10

Prayer

Father, I trust You. You have made me a vessel of Your power, a conduit of Your grace. I do not need to strive or exhaust myself, for You are the source of all true labor and fruitfulness. Thank You that as I rest in You, Your strength works through me. I yield to You in this moment, knowing that everything necessary for life and godliness is already mine in Christ. Let my life be an outflow of Your grace, not a restless pursuit of my own efforts. I abide, I trust, and I walk in Your sufficiency. Amen.

Image Intent: A peaceful lake at sunrise, where the water is completely still, reflecting the sky.

Credits:
Devotional insights from In Christ by E. Stanley Jones.
Photo credit: Unsplash.