We are such a "doing" kind of society. Sometimes we fail to even take the time to consider if what we are doing is helping or hurting ourselves or our loved ones. Busy, busy, busy.
While I certainly believe in taking action rather than persistent pondering, hoping or dreaming and feeling that is enough, I also have learned that running off with the best of intention but without a solid base of operations can cause more problems than it solves.
Yesterday a young minister spoke of advice he received from the campus pastor as a newly on-fire Christian. He had been relating his improved life of bible reading and prayer, his efforts to build more respectful relationships and avoid sin but he told his mentor that he longed to "do more". His mentor smiled and gave this advice: following Christ is more about becoming who we are called to be than it is about following rules perfectly.
This, I believe, is where a lot of us in the mortal church get off track. Because trying to live a better life or attend church to worship and fellowship or volunteering at church and for other worthy efforts, regular Bible reading and an active prayer life are all right and good, but they are not the goal.
The goal is a deeper relationship with God so that with each challenge we turn to God for wisdom and resources and with each blessing we thank God and with each interaction we are aware that Christ stands with us.
You see, if my "faith" is about doing then what about the times when I am not "doing?" But if my "faith" is about being then that is a constant state and not something that is turned off and on based on my thoughts or actions.
This is my prayer for all of us: Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus sent you to us to teach us and comfort us until He comes again. Please open our hearts to Your instruction that we might at all times and in all places remember Whose child we are and act accordingly. Let us make those choices and take those actions that persistently move us closer to the Heart and Mind of our Father that others might see God's love in action in us. AMEN.
While I certainly believe in taking action rather than persistent pondering, hoping or dreaming and feeling that is enough, I also have learned that running off with the best of intention but without a solid base of operations can cause more problems than it solves.
Yesterday a young minister spoke of advice he received from the campus pastor as a newly on-fire Christian. He had been relating his improved life of bible reading and prayer, his efforts to build more respectful relationships and avoid sin but he told his mentor that he longed to "do more". His mentor smiled and gave this advice: following Christ is more about becoming who we are called to be than it is about following rules perfectly.
This, I believe, is where a lot of us in the mortal church get off track. Because trying to live a better life or attend church to worship and fellowship or volunteering at church and for other worthy efforts, regular Bible reading and an active prayer life are all right and good, but they are not the goal.
The goal is a deeper relationship with God so that with each challenge we turn to God for wisdom and resources and with each blessing we thank God and with each interaction we are aware that Christ stands with us.
You see, if my "faith" is about doing then what about the times when I am not "doing?" But if my "faith" is about being then that is a constant state and not something that is turned off and on based on my thoughts or actions.
This is my prayer for all of us: Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus sent you to us to teach us and comfort us until He comes again. Please open our hearts to Your instruction that we might at all times and in all places remember Whose child we are and act accordingly. Let us make those choices and take those actions that persistently move us closer to the Heart and Mind of our Father that others might see God's love in action in us. AMEN.
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