“And Every Virtue We Possess”
Reflections on Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest
"All my fresh springs shall be in Thee." (Psalm 87:7)
Oswald Chambers draws our attention to the transformative work of God in the life of a believer. The natural virtues we possess, often celebrated as hallmarks of character, are remnants of what humanity was before the fall. They are not the virtues God intends to cultivate in us. His goal is not to patch up or enhance our natural strengths but to replace them entirely with the life and virtues of Christ.
The Drying-Up Process
Chambers speaks of a "drying-up experience," a time when God deliberately corrupts our confidence in natural virtues. This process can be uncomfortable, even painful, as we discover the inadequacy of our own patience, love, and purity to meet God’s standard. Yet, this is a sign of His work in us. He is not interested in improving the old creation but in revealing the new creation we are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
If you are going through this drying-up process, thank God for it. It means He is leading you away from reliance on what comes naturally and drawing you into reliance on His resurrection life. Natural virtues, no matter how commendable, can never reach the standard of holiness and love found in Christ.
From Adam to Christ
Chambers highlights the stark difference between the virtues of Adam (our natural state) and those of Christ. Natural virtues are often a result of heredity, environment, or self-effort. They cannot sustain the demands of a life lived for God.
Jesus calls us to something far greater—virtues born of His Spirit:
A love that is supernatural, loving even enemies (Matthew 5:44).
A patience that endures not from sheer willpower, but from trust in God's timing and sovereignty (Colossians 1:11).
A purity that springs from a heart transformed by His presence (Matthew 5:8).
These are not attributes we can generate; they flow from the life of Christ within us. "Every virtue we possess is His alone."
Putting on the New Man
Paul exhorts us to “put on the new man” (Ephesians 4:24), which means aligning our outer lives with the inner reality of Christ’s life within us. This involves daily yielding to the Spirit, allowing Him to produce His fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23).
It also requires surrendering our natural strengths. We often depend on our inherited traits, thinking they are sufficient for serving God. But as Chambers warns, this is a grave mistake. God does not build on our natural virtues; He replaces them with His own.
Drawing from the Reservoir of Christ
The key to this transformation is drawing from "the reservoir of the resurrection life of Jesus." Just as a spring continually provides fresh water, Christ is the source of every virtue we need. As we abide in Him (John 15:5), His life flows into us, producing His love, His patience, His purity.
Reflect and Respond
Are there areas in your life where you are relying on natural virtues instead of Christ’s life?
Have you experienced a "drying-up" process where God is weaning you off confidence in your own strength?
How can you more fully draw from the reservoir of His resurrection life?
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for leading us away from reliance on our own natural strengths. We confess our tendency to depend on the remnants of Adam's virtues rather than the life of Christ within us. May we draw daily from the reservoir of Your resurrection life, trusting You to produce in us the virtues that glorify You. Transform us into vessels of Your love, patience, and purity, so that the life of Christ may be evident in all we do. In Jesus' name, amen.
A Final Thought
True Christian living is not about improving the old but embracing the new. It is not about relying on natural virtues but abiding in Christ, who is the source of every virtue we need. Let us surrender our natural strengths and trust Him to live His life in and through us.