Hello All! It's been awhile, so once again, bear with me as I try to get all my thoughts together. I was chatting briefly with Edward this past Wednesday night (or maybe it was Tuesday...) and it was pretty late. I asked him why he was still up, and he said he was writing his Wednesday email. So I thought..."if this were me, I'd probably be in bed and skip writing the email for one week." But Edward of course being super awesome, stayed up late (late for my standards) and finished the email and sent it out.
This made me think, a lot of times in my life I put things that help me grow closer to God as optional, and if I do something, I sometimes feel like I'm forced or obligated. I figure God forgives, He knows my heart, He knows I love him. But am I really growing or am I deceiving myself? If it were 12:00 at night and I had a report due for work, I would have no hesitation in staying up late to write the report. But if I were just planning an event or writing a blog entry, I would probably put it off. So what makes my work #1 and my walk with God #2, 3, or 4?
So today I would like to make a change. Even if I'm tired, serving our Father is really such a blessing. I don't think there is one time that I've regretted staying up late planning, fellowshipping, or praying, because God has always showed me that He is soooo much more than I can ever imagine Him to be! I know that there are times in my life where I will be obligated or forced to do something, but I hope to change my attitude. I would like to try and seize each opportunity to grow my relationship and to glorify Him!! I know this is corny, but life really is short, and God has blessed me with soooo much. I don't want to have an attitude of me, me me. I'd like it to be God, God, God, Isaac, me, family, friends, Bigby, God, God, food, home, work, play, etc. =D
Have a great week everyone!
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how come my name is not on ur list but isaac's is? =(
ReplyDeleteyay i come before you!
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up an interesting point of discussion (not exactly related to your post). I think we are so scared of "legalism" that we get confused about willingness and responsibility. I sometimes wonder if i force myself to do something i don't want for God, does that mean i'm not doing it from my heart? Am i hurting my relationship with God?
When i was young my mom and dad had all these rules and obligations for me. "Brush your teeth before you go to bed!" "Take a shower after basketball" Rules, rules, rules! What if i didn't feel like it? Well… ultimately these were for my good, i just didn't know better.
I have to give a basketball analogy. During practice, we always spend time working on the basics, fundamentals, dribbling, passing. Who likes that? But on the court, when i don't think about it, the fundamentals become second nature and ultimately i benefit from it. Didn't realize that during my high school days though…
I think the word "discipline" in spiritual discipline really makes sense. Sure, it sounds like an "obligation", but making that an excuse to not doing it just because i don't "feel" like it doesn't make sense. Ultimately i'm the one that's hurt by it. I feel like a baby in terms of my knowledge of God, and i don't know any better, so i need to trust in the things that God put for me to help me learn.
I blogged a lot previous weeks, and it helped me sit down to sort out my thoughts with God, and really take time to pray about it. I will accept your challenge and not make any more excuses! Try and force myself to blog and spend time with God!
Aww....now i have to try and sound smert. how i deal with the problem of being burning out or being unwilling to serve is remember the verse in 2cor that reads "dont give reluctantly cause God loves a cheerful giver." That verse isn't meant to excuse us from serving when we dont feel like it - it's meant to remind us to constantly pray for a willingness to serve.
ReplyDeleteYew....Isaac didn't shower after basketball...those rules should be followed ISAAC!
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