God says (as paraphrased by E. Peterson),
"If I get hungry, do you think I'd tell you?
All creation and its bounty are mine.
Do you think I feast on venison?
or drink draughts of goats' blood?
Spread for me a banquet of praise,
serve High God a feast of kept promises,
And call for help when you're in trouble—
I'll help you, and you'll honor me."
Some would say "always be on call for God." Be ready to drop whatever you're doing and do what needs to be done. I guess I would rather say "always be in tune with God." I know that following God will lead us out of our comfortable lives, but it is following God that takes us - not all the need we see around us.
I get concerned when I see people jumping in to meet every need they see. I also get concerned when I see people sitting on their duff doing nothing....Lest is seem as though I am sitting here in judgement....These two extremes are where I often see myself, so as I write, I write to ME most of all.
Following Christ is a package deal. We follow Christ and are a part of the Church. We have access to the Father through the Son. We are called to use that access. We are called to seek Him - and that's not a process you can microwave. We are also called to journey with others, so we pursue friendship - again, not a microwavable venture. Lastly, we are called to make a difference in the world. Maybe today that means fighting oppression for someone who is unable to fight; maybe tomorrow it means a smile and conversation. It's impossible to say what it looks like on a day to day basis, I think staying connected to God (who does not NEED us, but chooses us) is the key. So how do you do that?
Advent Action: Evaluate your pattern for seeking God. Do you have a good balance of quiet, community and mission? Where can you make changes?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Great post vic - I like the microwave reference you gave to our relationships. We want quick fixes to everything in life. What we must understand is that it is through life experiences (some joyful, some sorrowful) that God is "trimming and pruning" us - not because He has to - but, because He wants to -a love I can't comprehend!
I am continually humbled by how amazing His love is. In the smallest trimuph to the greatest, I continue to praise Him! How do I stay connected to God? For me, it is the understanding that I am nothing without Him. When I am willing to admit my weakness and complete reliance on Him for every detail of my life - then He is able to do what He needs to do in and through me.
Very nice post, Vic. I appreciate the way you phrase the concept of following Christ. We can't do it all. But we can do something. And that "something" is most impactful when it is a result of our direct response/obedience to the desire of Christ... therefore, ultimately, it's all about Him, not us nor the need itself.
Post a Comment