We are constantly talking about doing life on life with each other. Promoting the kind of living that goes way beyond surface, the kind of living that says, " I will enter in and walk beside you, no matter what it looks like". God-like kind of living that communicates that we are not going to abandon you or leave you. You can't shake me off by your behavior or words. We all long to feel that kind of love and commitment. The one that Christ can only fully give and yet asks us to participate in by being His hands and feet to those around us. Shouting the gospel as we offer a hand, a hug, a word of encouraging truth, a plate of cookies, a shoulder to cry on, and or a meal around our table. On the surface that sounds really beautiful doesn't it? Often it is, but often it isn't until we walk through. The walking through often isn't even pleasant let alone beautiful! Why? Because life is messy. Which causes us, who are hopelessly flawed and riddled with sin, insecurities, and in constant need of the gospel and direction ourselves, to be messy. There are messes that I'm convinced will always be presented because of this human condition that is desperate for transformation from glory to glory.
People will choose their own way over God's way, resulting in a mess.
People will not desire wisdom, resulting in a mess.
People will make plans without considering how it will affect others, resulting in a mess.
People will be self absorbed and play the victim, resulting in a mess.
People will refuse to take responsibility for their actions, resulting in a mess.
People will desire to be in control, resulting in a mess.
People will be unwilling to wait, resulting in a mess.
People will self-promote and need to be dominate, resulting in a mess.
I don't think that we even make it a consideration when choosing our own way and believe that left one second to my own thinking, apart from the Spirit's guidance, I'm headed to the mess. My assertion is that we should make it a consideration! We need transforming power.
2 Corinthians 3:18
"But we all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory just as from the Lord, the Spirit."
Living translation...
"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord, who is the Spirit, makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image."
Truth: Everyone is transformed by what they set their gaze upon, what they worship. If my gaze is focused on myself, my situation, or what I believe is my plight, then my transformation is self to self. Not helpful... If my gaze is fixed upon the Lord then my transformation is from glory to glory. Because we continue to reflect what we are looking at. My ONLY hope.....
Knowing that I don't always get this right, I need grace to extend to others when they don't get it right. Remembering that we/I have been entreated to walk in a manner worthy of my calling. My calling is to live out the gospel! And in living out the gospel with others, I am to live with humility, (knowing Who is in ultimate control) and gentleness (velvet covered steel) that is coupled with patience (a long walk in the same direction even when it is tiring and messy), and make allowances for other's faults (recognizing they are doing the same for me!). And, while I'm do that work hard at preserving unity with the Spirit's help (because I can't do it any other way!) for the purpose of bonding people together in peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
Still Learning....
Written with love and conviction.....
Kim
People will choose their own way over God's way, resulting in a mess.
People will not desire wisdom, resulting in a mess.
People will make plans without considering how it will affect others, resulting in a mess.
People will be self absorbed and play the victim, resulting in a mess.
People will refuse to take responsibility for their actions, resulting in a mess.
People will desire to be in control, resulting in a mess.
People will be unwilling to wait, resulting in a mess.
People will self-promote and need to be dominate, resulting in a mess.
I don't think that we even make it a consideration when choosing our own way and believe that left one second to my own thinking, apart from the Spirit's guidance, I'm headed to the mess. My assertion is that we should make it a consideration! We need transforming power.
2 Corinthians 3:18
"But we all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory just as from the Lord, the Spirit."
Living translation...
"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord, who is the Spirit, makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image."
Truth: Everyone is transformed by what they set their gaze upon, what they worship. If my gaze is focused on myself, my situation, or what I believe is my plight, then my transformation is self to self. Not helpful... If my gaze is fixed upon the Lord then my transformation is from glory to glory. Because we continue to reflect what we are looking at. My ONLY hope.....
Knowing that I don't always get this right, I need grace to extend to others when they don't get it right. Remembering that we/I have been entreated to walk in a manner worthy of my calling. My calling is to live out the gospel! And in living out the gospel with others, I am to live with humility, (knowing Who is in ultimate control) and gentleness (velvet covered steel) that is coupled with patience (a long walk in the same direction even when it is tiring and messy), and make allowances for other's faults (recognizing they are doing the same for me!). And, while I'm do that work hard at preserving unity with the Spirit's help (because I can't do it any other way!) for the purpose of bonding people together in peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
Still Learning....
Written with love and conviction.....
Kim
