It's the cusp of the New Year. Getting close, anyway. Celebrating New Year's has lost its novelty for me after a while. I guess I figured January is just the month following December... and since I've taken to use every opportunity for resolutions and new beginnings, this one is just another one of those moments (shared by people across the world.) But anyway. I am trying not to be a New Years grinch.
It's also been a long while since my last update. I take my vacations pretty seriously. I've also had a lot to muse about. And a lot of time to not muse about those very things. Like I said, I take my vacations pretty seriously. I figured I should update though, since the latest entry is one of those that usually find its ways to the 'private' sector pretty quickly but didn't. I am rambling already. This is not good.
There are some themes that have carried over for the past few months, and perhaps they will come with me into the new year. No, nix that 'perhaps.' These issues are long-term. And by long term, I mean every day. Forever.
Forever.
That word has the ability to discourage just as much as it has the power to thrill (and confuse.) Fortunately (or unfortunately) we live out this trek to forever one day at a time.
There are some key themes that have popped up again and again this year. I know that these are things that God has brought to my attention to grow me, change me, raise me higher. And like any respectable growth spurt, it'll come with growing pains.
Obedience. It's difficult to reconcile the balance between being a free agent and being a servant of Christ. Sometimes believing that one is the son/daughter of a King allows one to believe that one is entitled to certain rights. Entitlement is not to be confused with having this gift of free will. Ultimately, sin is the monster that rears its head asking, "What about what I want?"
Continuous Submission. When do I get to stop? It's frustrating to know that even though I know the answers already and have walked the path before doesn't automatically exempt me from having to walk it again. And again. And again. Every day. Oswald Chambers says, "just because we have responded properly in the past is no guarantee that we will do so again." Paul says, "I die daily." We die because we must, because we do, because it is who we are: people who struggle with the natural vs. the spiritual. In this daily battle. In this minute-by-minute battle. And although there really is no guarantee, the odds are better if you can keep on keepin' on.
Community. I've recognized the need for community. For like-minded friends. And yet the need for us to reach out and press into the fearful areas. I've learned a lot about myself, about various kinds of persecution, and about love for fellow brethren (and sistren.) I'm seeing the beauty of a Christian community that some people just never get to have.
Mission. Missions are like the physical exercise of spiritual life. If prayer is the breath, and bible study living bread/water, missions are just as crucial to the spiritual life. Sometimes they are thrust upon you (
Your mission, whether or not you choose to accept it...). Sometimes they are requested of you (
Whom shall I send?) Sometimes you have to seek them out. (
Here I am Lord... send me.) I think I have to muster up in me the desire to do more of the latter. Missions keep you from getting fat and lazy in the spiritual sense. I do not want to be a spiritual couch potato. Who's up for the
"Biggest Loser: Spiritual Fat"?
Whichever the case may be, I want this coming year to have the theme of Christ, the desired of all nations. The craving of every man's heart. The call of every soul that seeks after the truth. Let us not be ashamed of the gospel of this Christ, for it is indeed the power of God unto salvation to everyone that has faith. The power of God. Who knows how the path will change? But it seems like a good step in.
I am interested to see what new things He will teach me. Interested, trepidated, and a little excited. But a lot sure that He will take care of me... through crucible, through wind and fire, through sunny days and clear skies, through torrential rain and crazy snow... did I mention crucible? He has not changed, my desire has not changed, and His ability to fill every need in me has not changed. I want to be teachable.
But in conclusion, I want to say that I am happy, encouraged, and profoundly grateful for the community I have found through Him. I only pray that someday it will not be a rarity. But until then, my fellow brothers and sisters, joint-heirs, princes and princesses, thank you. Let's keep encouraging each other. Let's share the burdens, the honest experiences, and the precious insights that God gives to each one of us. I am grateful for every one of you, whichever phase of spiritual experience you are in.
Happy New Year! Much love to all of you.
Comments (2)
Amen. I hope your new year brings all of these things and more. Your mention of obedience hits close to home for me: I have been reminded of how obedience relates to the intimacy of our relationship with God. I think especially here of John 14:21 and 23. Thanks for sharing. I am glad that you are happy and encouraged (I know from your posts that you have gone through some troubled times this year). It is so true that He has not changed and so good that your desire has not changed. May He grant us perseverance and hearts that are (as you mentioned) teachable (something that I am continually in need of).
--Ray