When it comes to either being a perfectionist or being flexible with how things get done, I find that I can be either one depending on the type of activity at hand. Usually, when my perfectionist tendencies kick in, it generally has to do with something I feel like I should have a certain level of control over. Flexibility on the other hand, is usually when there are clearly random factors at play and I can easily pray and hope for the best. More often, I find myself having to quell the inner grumpy old man who simply wants his way, rather than needing to mature the inner child in me who can be too willy-nilly and not stand for anything. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit has been helping me to not be so quick to speak. To stop and slow down before I answer. To think through what is being said, and have some humility as I reflect and remember that God speaks to others too. It turns out, that in fact, other people around me also have productive quiet times with the Lord. What do you know about that?!? "You shall be holy, for I am holy" certainly is a calling to seek out His perfection in our lives each and every day. Thank God, Jesus came, died, and rose again for that very purpose. And now that the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, we have a guide that helps us in the process of sanctification- navigating our earthly existence of freedom that Christ set us free for (Galatians 5:1). Not a life that turns back to the sin that so easily ensnared us, but a life free to pursue the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). It is a freedom in a life that leans on His gifting in our lives and seeks out how best to be His servant each and every day. It is an existence that recognizes that we are all at different places on the road to spiritual maturity. We can all be flexible when remembering that God is dealing with each one of us and eventually, though we will fall short of being a perfect reflection of Christ in this life, we will be made perfect in the life to come. There is freedom in being a servant of God, freedom in disciplining your life to be one that seeks to please Him. Never forget: it was sin that had you enslaved. You're not losing anything when you accept Jesus and His Lordship over your life... rather you are gaining your freedom. It is sin posing as freedom that had you in bondage in the first place. It is in the mystery of Christ within us, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge can be found. May we seek out that freedom as we act in faith, hope, and love throughout our day. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Questions for you: 1) Is there something in life that you think Christians in generally need to have more flexibility towards or maybe they need to be more rigid about? Why is that? 2) What in life would you need to admit to that things have to be "your way or the highway?" 3) Is there anything in your life that you've let get out of control- too much flexibility or freedom? 4) Describe something that you've learned through your spiritual walk, that you now have more grace and mercy about than you used to have.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Here you can find all of our Sunday Service videos, events, special announcements, etc.
Categories
All
|