3 Steps to Stability in Jesus (According to Jeremy Taylor)

In his classic two volume work, “Holy Living, Holy Dying,” Jeremy Taylor begins by saying that “all our labours and care… must be wholly employed in the service of God.” But he goes on to recognize that we cannot spend most of our time in direct action for our faith.

His response to this problem is to set aside as much time as we are able for the “services of God” and the “business of the Spirit.” But he takes this a step further and says that our we can direct our day-to-day activities to the glory of God, adopting them into our faith. By doing this, we can stand in the presence of God in all we do.

From here, he lays out three streps to living a life directed to the glory of God. The first step is care of our time. We are given a short amount of time on earth, but on this short time eternity depends. We are called away from idleness to our work but also to pause from our work so we can give God our devotion.

The second step is purity of intention. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” God’s grace is sufficient to sanctify the most ordinary actions of our life.

The third step is the practice of the presence of God. God is everywhere. “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?” We cannot be removed from God’s presence. Thus, we are able to enjoy his presence wherever we are.

As we consider cultivating stability in Jesus, Taylor exhorts us to set aside as much time as possible for prayer. He then shows us that every action can be set aside for the glory of God and that every moment we can enjoy our life in God.