This chapter in the book is hard to read because it’s making me examine every part of my walk with God. It’s also very good because it’s making me examine every part of my walk with God! If that sounds like a contradiction, I guess that’s okay. I believe God gives us these study books, times, and people in our lives to re-examine our walk and commitment to Him. We shouldn’t take it lightly. Everything is done for a reason and for His purposes. Some of the things presented do not line up with our world today and that is a good thing. We don’t want our lives to measure up with the world and what it thinks we should tolerate and be today.
So, in reading this part of the book, I have compiled a few questions for myself:
1. Do I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind?
2. Am I one of those people who think that this kind of love is radical?
3. Do I love others more than myself, or just those that love me back?
4. Am I willing to serve God without limits?
5. Do I think about my life here on earth more than I do eternity in Heaven?
6. Do I give out of a heart that is willing to sacrifice even if it makes me uncomfortable?
7. Am I content with being just good enough?
8. Do I just play it safe or do I sacrifice and takes risks for God?
I find myself really lacking in some of these questions. I love God and am so grateful for my salvation. I need to let go of things that hold me back from experiencing all God has for me. I know there are some things I could change to help my walk be closer to His ideal. First and foremost, I could spend more time with God, learning more about Him and His plan for my life. Then put into practice more of what these questions are implying, a more Godly approach to life and others, a right perspective.
Perhaps I need to examine how many worldly things I participate in that can be curtailed or even taken out of my life. Like how much time DO I spend in front of the TV watching things that I shouldn’t be watching? Have you seen some of the shows on TV? I mean I try to be selective in what I watch but even the commercials are ungodly! Do I realize that Jesus is right there watching along with me? WOAH! And how about the music I’m listening to, does it glorify God? What about the book I’m reading?
These things are hard!! These things are so accepted in the world today and, yes, even in the Christian realm! We tolerate so many things in our lives because the world doesn’t think it is wrong. But we need to ask God if it’s wrong instead.
When I’m in church do I seek out the unlovely and pour out God’s genuine love on them?
I have a dear friend who often asks me to go a little past comfortable…go a little further in the things of God. She says she is stretching me! Sometimes that make me uncomfortable, but I do it. You know what? It usually turns out to be exactly what I needed! She’s not afraid to take risks and she helps me see the good in that.
I want to be able to answer all of these questions, and more, in the positive, but unfortunately I can’t do that at all times. There are areas in my life that I need to work on. I believe we all do. I don’t want to be a shallow Christian. I want my roots to go deep into God. I believe our walk with God is a continual growing process. We should never be at a stand still, but moving forward with our eyes fixed on the upward call of God. The minute we take our eyes off Him, they go to self. And then we get caught up in ourselves, our circumstances, and the world. Our priority is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing it with others; that’s why we’re here. It’s not about us. It’s all about Him.
In Christ,
Donna
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Let’s Pray:
Lord, I am praying for a right perspective on our world and how we live in it. May You be our one and only priority when living out our faith. Bring to mind in our daily lives these questions and help us to answer them in the positive at the end of the day. And that we have our faith and walk on track with Your purposes in mind. Thank You that You love us with such unending love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Your Assignment:
Did you ask yourself some questions when reading this part of the book today? What are some of those questions? Let’s get our heads together and ponder them and maybe they will help us to change some things in our lives that God would have us change in order to serve Him with a right perspective.
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