Thursday, February 25, 2016

Living The Christian Fantasy Life

My Utmost For His Highest
 
…though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. —2 Corinthians 12:15
 
“Natural human love expects something in return. But Paul is saying, “It doesn’t really matter to me whether you love me or not. I am willing to be completely destitute anyway; willing to be poverty-stricken, not just for your sakes, but also that I may be able to get you to God.” “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor…” (2 Corinthians 8:9). And Paul’s idea of service was the same as our Lord’s. He did not care how high the cost was to himself— he would gladly pay it. It was a joyful thing to Paul. […] The real test of a saint is not one’s willingness to preach the gospel, but one’s willingness to do something like washing the disciples’ feet— that is, being willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God. It was Paul’s delight to spend his life for God’s interests in other people, and he did not care what it cost. But before we will serve, we stop to ponder our personal and financial concerns— “What if God wants me to go over there? And what about my salary? What is the climate like there? Who will take care of me? A person must consider all these things.” All that is an indication that we have reservations about serving God.” CHAMBERS
 
How important is it to you that the people around find salvation in Jesus? Really.  How important is it?  Is it important enough to show them Jesus through your own life?  Are you primarily focused on yourself and surviving?  Think about it.  What motivates you in terms of how you interact with others?  Must they treat you well first?  What you say, how you say it, what you do, how you do it .. do they shout “I am redeemed and Jesus is my Lord” to the world or “I am just like you struggling to survive, to get through the day, and I will treat you just like you treat me .. or worse.”?  A danger for all of us is that we live a fantasy life as Christians.  In our minds and imagination we are faithful children of God, but in reality we are just like the unforgiving servant. (Matthew 18:21-35)  Wanting forgiveness from God .. wanting grace and mercy .. wanting love and kindness from God .. but are unwilling to give it to others.  Do you treat other people harshly and feel justified .. thinking they get what they deserve?  Aren’t you glad you don’t get what you deserve?  Think about it.  ELGIN
 
“Redeemed”  Big Daddy Weave
 
I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off theses heavy chains Wipe away every stain now I'm not who I used to be ….  I am redeemed
 
Seems like all I can see was the struggle Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past Bound up in shackles of all my failures Wondering how long is this gonna last
 
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son Stop fighting a fight that's already been won"
 
All my life I have been called unworthy Named by the voice of my shame and regret But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head" I remember oh God, You're not done with me yet
 
I don't have to be the old man inside of me 'Cause his day is long dead and gone I've got a new name, a new life I'm not the same And a hope that will carry me home
 
Charley Elgin

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