No one ever said life was easy. In fact, Jesus even tells us that we will have trouble (John 16:33). But, man, sometimes I just wish that things came easier. Life has hit me hard over the past few weeks, and, frankly, I'm disturbed about it. Ever get that feeling you're stuck in neutral? That's where I am. Feelings of discontentment, depression, and lack of direction sink to my core.
Shouldn't I be experiencing that "abundant life" Jesus discussed in John 10:10? Yes! Then why am I not? Because my focus is off! Jesus leaves us his peace in John 16:33, but I need to, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." (Philippians 2:12) I love Dallas Willard's quote about grace not being opposed to effort but opposed to earning. It's all in the attitude. To love Christ intentionally requires effort--discipline. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24-7, discussed this idea of discipline: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (NIV) This idea of discipline has piqued my interests for a while now on many levels. Hopefully, I can describe some of those to you in later posts.
For now, though, I ask that God may dwell richly in our lives. I hope that, as HIS disciple, I can learn to walk in a manner worthy of being called a disciple.
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