Change
Just yesterday, a conversation with a friend got me thinking about what I would like to change about myself. He was going to attempt to make it a point to stop swearing, and therefore become a nicer guy and a better human being. He then asked if I had any intentions to improve certain aspects about me. Being rather impressed by the depth of this male individual - highly unusual, no? - and the admirable resolve he was displaying, I decided to give the question some serious thought.
Very often, when we think of what we'd like to change about ourselves, our minds jump to thoughts of physical improvement. Think extreme weight loss, think plastic surgery, think enhancement, think removal. Sure, I'll admit I've thought of these things too myself. But then I always stop to ponder: God created us this way. He created ME. Everything so carefully crafted, not perfect to the human eye perhaps, but most definitely perfect and special to Him. And here I am, thinking of changing the work of His hands.
Why should I?
How could I?
Well. One thing I intend to change about myself? Nothing to do with physical improvement, but rather, about the spiritual. Yup. To become a much improved Christian, lead a better Christian life so I can have a more personal walk with God, and so that others can hopefully view me as an example of what a Christian should be. To live and lead by example where my faith is concerned. Sometimes I realise I'm actually a very poor Christian. Sunday school class yesterday, especially, really spoke to me. The difference between a 'practical' Christian and a 'practising' one. Practicality of course, works best for us, since we need only listen to God's word when it's convenient for ourselves. But to practise what He wants of us all the time? Now that's tough. Besides self-centredness which serves as a hindrance to our being practising Christians, busyness is often a factor. And I think that's why today's message about serving left such a deep impression on me. Because it was a hundred percent spot on about everything. I try, but is it enough? Maybe like the power point slide in Sunday school read - I should 'just do it'.
Try to stop using vulgarities, to stop putting off QT, to stop leaving God aside until Sundays, to stop falling asleep while praying, to stop...so many things to stop doing. And that's just the first step to becoming a better Christian.
Truly, everything to glorify God. In our words and actions, and in everything we do (or not do), we should for the single purpose of letting all be pleasing in His sight. For example, our talents. Each and every one of us has God-given talents which we ought to use in ways that will bring praise to His name.
It's going to be so difficult. But with determination, perseverance and prayer, I'm sure we can all do this. For God.
Very often, when we think of what we'd like to change about ourselves, our minds jump to thoughts of physical improvement. Think extreme weight loss, think plastic surgery, think enhancement, think removal. Sure, I'll admit I've thought of these things too myself. But then I always stop to ponder: God created us this way. He created ME. Everything so carefully crafted, not perfect to the human eye perhaps, but most definitely perfect and special to Him. And here I am, thinking of changing the work of His hands.
Why should I?
How could I?
Well. One thing I intend to change about myself? Nothing to do with physical improvement, but rather, about the spiritual. Yup. To become a much improved Christian, lead a better Christian life so I can have a more personal walk with God, and so that others can hopefully view me as an example of what a Christian should be. To live and lead by example where my faith is concerned. Sometimes I realise I'm actually a very poor Christian. Sunday school class yesterday, especially, really spoke to me. The difference between a 'practical' Christian and a 'practising' one. Practicality of course, works best for us, since we need only listen to God's word when it's convenient for ourselves. But to practise what He wants of us all the time? Now that's tough. Besides self-centredness which serves as a hindrance to our being practising Christians, busyness is often a factor. And I think that's why today's message about serving left such a deep impression on me. Because it was a hundred percent spot on about everything. I try, but is it enough? Maybe like the power point slide in Sunday school read - I should 'just do it'.
Try to stop using vulgarities, to stop putting off QT, to stop leaving God aside until Sundays, to stop falling asleep while praying, to stop...so many things to stop doing. And that's just the first step to becoming a better Christian.
Truly, everything to glorify God. In our words and actions, and in everything we do (or not do), we should for the single purpose of letting all be pleasing in His sight. For example, our talents. Each and every one of us has God-given talents which we ought to use in ways that will bring praise to His name.
It's going to be so difficult. But with determination, perseverance and prayer, I'm sure we can all do this. For God.
posted by les @ 1:22 AM
2 Comments:
At 4:33 PM,
Anonymous said…
The point is this: I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord.
The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished.
For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit.
--George Muller
At 6:29 PM,
Anonymous said…
don't forget to stretch so you'll grow taller, lesley =)
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