A friend of mine and I were talking this weekend and I am so thankful for her insight! She is taking a class at Cornerstone and it is really challenging her thinking and her faith perception. The class is bringing to the service how "The Church" in our generation of believers is centered on self-help... What can "I" get from my faith. What can "I" do to become a "better" Christian. While that is a great idea in general... for we need to grow in our faith and to search out ways that will help us to grow and to change. The idea put forth in her class is (at least what I got from our conversation... sorry if I distort it): Isn't is suppose to be about God? Worshiping HIM, serving HIM, praising HIM, thanking HIM and seeking HIM. So much of what I do as a believer centers on me. What should "I" do to witness to others. Where should "I" serve to help show Christ's love. I know helping others is part of it. I know being a witness for Christ is also part of walking the talk. But, somehow could I be going about it in a wrong way?
I find this concept so interesting. Part of me gets why we are in a self-help phase... for we (in general) need a lot of help. This world bombards us with trials and temptations and it is so overwhelming at times. But... in thinking deeper, we would not need self-help, if we put all our focus on God. If every living moment we stand in HIS presence, praising HIM, thanking HIM and seeking HIM. We would be so filled with HIS Holiness, HIS love and HIS light that we would radiate it to others... nothing of our own doing. It would be God shining through us. Our insecurities would wash away, for we would begin to understand Who HE IS. We would then start understanding who we are, a sinful people, in need of a Savior, but loved so greatly by our Creator, that HE sacrificed Himself for our sins.
I am not sure exactly what my friend is learning in class or what thoughts are stirring in her, but mine have spun in many directions. Mainly: Is God first in my life? Is HE being praised, honored, worshiped and glorified? Am I so caught up in fixing me, that I have forgotten what my life is for?
Deep thoughts.
Thanks, my friend, for the significant thought I will be pondering for some time... if not for always. I pray it changes me, not only my focus, but how I live.
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4 comments:
Blogging all this time, and Kami and I had no idea!
Well, it has only been a little while and I only have a computer at work... so, I only have time on breaks and lunch to update. Haven't been to your blogs in a long time, maybe I should do that soon. I hope all is well in NJ.
Ah, my friend... great thoughts!
I believe that we should focus on God more. We must live our lives in close relationship to Him. We must be obedient to Him. We must love, forgive, and serve others, as He does. It is through living a life in Christ that others will be drawn to Him. Our actions speak louder than words. We must allow God into every area of our lives and let His light shine out of us!
Here are some quotes for you to ponder:
“The gospel has less to do with the alleged benefits that might come with believing in God and more with what God plans to do with those who answer Jesus’ call to give up all and follow him” (Brownson, Dietterich, Harvey, & West, 2003, p. 2).
“The gospel is about the coming of God’s reign, and its call upon us is a call to participation” (Brownson, Dietterich, Harvey, & West, 2003, p. 51).
"The coming of God's Reign"
How awesome that will be! I cannot wait. Seriously, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that HE is Lord. It will be a day HE so rightly deserves. I am excited for HIM and for us all that know Christ. My heart certainly sinks when thinking about the lost. The people who refuse to believe Christ to be their Savior.
May God use our submission to HIM as believers in this life, to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!
Thanks for the thoughts to ponder Quincy. You always get me thinking in a deeper and new way. Keep them coming!
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