A Bible passage is stuck in my head today...it is from Luke 9:43-48. In this passage, the disciples end up arguing over who will be the greatest. It does not surprise me that this argument happened, it is something that I think all of us struggle with in our lives. We want to be the "favorite" child, student, friend, or employee. We want to hold that high regard in someone's life, we want to earn the favor of our peers and of our superiors - and the higher in power the person that we earn the favor of, the more justified and powerful we in turn feel.
I can totally see why the disciples would want to be the "highest" person on Jesus' disciple roster - who wouldn't want to hold that highest position? I think it is something that all of us should want to achieve with our lives! It is interesting though, because Jesus goes on to tell them that whoever is the least among them will become the greatest...that means continually dying to oneself in order to live for God. I should probably mention that there is room for all of us on Jesus' #1 roster - he loves us all the same and we can show our appreciation by living for him.
I must say that one of my biggest flaws is that I want to be the most important person to everyone. I love staying in contact with people that I have met, and I want to be held in high regards in all of those peoples' lives...but that is simply impossible, and I think that sometimes when I know I don't hold that high position in their life, I want to do everything in my power to become someone of huge importance to them...but this is such a wrong desire. Everyone holds different interests and some personalities "click" better than others - it's impossible to be the #1 person for everyone you know...you just need to do what you do best -- be yourself and show them the same love that Christ shows you.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Love and Support in Trying Times
If Jesus was here today, he wouldn't be focusing his time on his devoted followers...he would be going after the lost, the confused, the downtrodden...I'm not saying he would ignore his loyal followers, certainly he would give teachings to all just as he did to large crowds in so many Bible stories, but many of the stories we hear about Jesus also involve him making differences in the lives of those who NEED to be turned around.
That being said, I have been struggling lately with how to properly show Jesus' love to those who are the lost, confused, and misled. Jesus told us to love everyone, and we should, but showing love doesn't mean that we have to drag ourselves down into the hole with those people. No, instead we are to stand as a beacon of light to show the way out of the bad habits or problems others may be facing. It has been so difficult throughout my life to see friends or acquaintances begin to live a life that pulls them away from God's calling to them, they follow people who only make them weaker rather than stronger, and rather than showing these people how to lead their own life in Christ...the person instead loses their own identity in Christ.
How do we help our friends or the people we see doing this? How do you properly continue to show love to this person when you become bitter or angry at their sudden change? I must admit, I do not know the answer, and every chance I have had in my life to steer a friend back to their faith has only ended in failure. As I face this confusion and disappointment once again, I am still at a loss of what to do. What I am praying for is that God gives me the grace, patience, and love needed to be firmly standing behind this person throughout this time in their life...and I am asking God to help me to be accepting if they ever decide to turn back.
That being said, I have been struggling lately with how to properly show Jesus' love to those who are the lost, confused, and misled. Jesus told us to love everyone, and we should, but showing love doesn't mean that we have to drag ourselves down into the hole with those people. No, instead we are to stand as a beacon of light to show the way out of the bad habits or problems others may be facing. It has been so difficult throughout my life to see friends or acquaintances begin to live a life that pulls them away from God's calling to them, they follow people who only make them weaker rather than stronger, and rather than showing these people how to lead their own life in Christ...the person instead loses their own identity in Christ.
How do we help our friends or the people we see doing this? How do you properly continue to show love to this person when you become bitter or angry at their sudden change? I must admit, I do not know the answer, and every chance I have had in my life to steer a friend back to their faith has only ended in failure. As I face this confusion and disappointment once again, I am still at a loss of what to do. What I am praying for is that God gives me the grace, patience, and love needed to be firmly standing behind this person throughout this time in their life...and I am asking God to help me to be accepting if they ever decide to turn back.
"Soulprint" by Mark Batterson
Over the past several years, Mark Batterson has become my favorite author. I follow his blog and try to get my hands on his new books as soon as possible. One of the things I love about Mark is that he is so prayerfully intentional with his books - he prays over what he is writing and asks God to put his books into the hands of people that it will help, and I truly believe that his prayers work.
Mark's writing can reach anyone at any point in their life. Right now, I personally am going through a bit of a transition, one where I am questioning my faith and God's hand in my life. Soulprint could not have landed in my hands at a better moment. Within the first two pages of the book, Mark's writing had cut straight to the core of my soul. I ended up re-reading those first two pages several times that first night and then meditating on Mark's words until I went to sleep. I couldn't even read any further, I couldn't believe how much truth Mark had put into my life in just two pages!
I read Mark's book within about a week, which is pretty fast for me to complete a book, and found myself often sitting and contemplating the book. This is not a book that you can just sit, read the information, and move on with your life. This book will have you reflecting on your own life, who you are as an individual in the eyes of God, and moving forward in a way that will positively change your view on yourself, life, and God.
I highly recommend any of Mark's books, and especially his new book, Soulprint. I have already ordered 4 extra copies to give to friends and family so that they can also begin their journey to find who they truly are in God's infinite love.