A teacher had students make a poster of a "quote" that motivates them and encourages them. Interestingly enough those who were of Christian faith picked quotes immediately that were based on the bible or directly from the bible but those who weren't Christian didn't have a quote that motivated and encouraged them. In fact, those who didn't have a quote searched and searched and having only a little amount of time to decide picked quotes they really didn't have any sort of attachment to whatsoever.
I think this is interesting. How often do we "do" in life just because it's in some human obligation, requirement or understanding not because we have some real conviction about something.
I believe these Christian students wrote what they wrote because God had put those things on their heart. It wasn't out of some "religious" obligation.
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord.
“I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on
their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Jeremiah 31:33
How often do I hear, "I am not religious"... but God isn't about religion but relationship. A REAL relationship. Life is about about discovering God and seeing God become a great source of strength and encouragement in our life.
I once was very lost in my own understanding about life. I was "in the dark". I didn't really get this Christianity "religion". I mean I knew there was God and Jesus but I didn't pay them much attention unless I got in trouble or in a pinch. Then I would pray.. hoping he would listen to my plea.
I didn't understand God could really speak to us and show us things. I didn't understanding he could give us deeper insight into his word and build upon his word. I didn't realize God created me for a plan and purpose. And because I didn't understand these things I might as well been a chicken locked in a chicken coop with a fox. I might as well be chasing the wind. I might as well be digging in wet sand and it filling back in.
I think most people have this fear of surrendering their life to God or becoming dependent on God so we take the religious route but that gives very little comfort for the soul in the long run.
God is about RELATIONSHIP not religion.
Take some time and look at a bible online.... http://www.biblegateway.com/
Look at all the verses that say such things as:
-As to the LORD
-Do in the name of the LORD
-In Christ
-Through Christ
-Walk in him (Christ)
-dwell in him (Christ)
-abide in me (Christ)
Look at those things carefully... they all speak of relationship not religion.
As a Christian, the Lord becomes our everything. The things of this world go strangely dim. They lose importance. It's God that keeps us going strong.
When you are in love with someone, the love peps you up does it not? You do things that you wouldn't normally do because of this love. As you mature in the Lord it is very much the same.
The Lord becomes your everything. He becomes the source of your strength and encouragement. He is your driving source and influence.
Read this:
"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Faith.... not religion. People call faith religion because they don't understand faith as a relationship.
Religion is often ritualistic and legalistic. It cuts God out of the picture. Rituals and legalism don't save the soul or help the soul endure the things of this life but God does!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
"All of your heart".... hence the "relationship" and "faith". Our own understanding keeps us away from God. It often confuses us and troubles us and puffs up in pride and arrogance.
Troubled people think things like, "I have to get myself right before I come to God.." But no one "makes" themselves right with God. God makes them right with Himself. All we have to do is surrender our life to him. God is the one who changes us and He introduces us to the mighty Savior Jesus!
He is the one who turns the light on in the attic of our mind.
This is often a daily thing! As Christians, we are plugged in but we have to "let go" and focus on God so the switch comes on- so his ebb and flow of hope, mercy, grace, peace, love, wisdom, faith, nourishes our soul and make us capable to endure all the things in this life.
Through this partnership God builds and grows us supernaturally in our relationship with Him.
Those with some bible knowledge think about this:
Who was the man of God? David or King Saul?
Who was only after the things God could give him? David or King Saul?
How was shallow in his thinking and understanding? David or King Saul?
"Beware least any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Colossians 2:8
David's focus: was to have a relationship with God. He knew it was God who gave him strength and encouragement. (The Giver)
King Saul's focus: was on the gifts he could receive from God for being king. (The gifts of the Giver.)
David: Abiding in God's love.
King Saul: Not abiding in God's love. Not trusting or obeying God.
Jesus said, "I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me should not abide in darkness." John 12:46
What motivates us? What are we abiding in?
Let us be silent before the Lord and have him speak into our heart. In Jesus Name Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment