For those of you who read my blog, I must admit to you that I am a proud man. I don't mean proud like I am of my beautiful son or proud like when I accomplish something that honors God or blesses others. Not even proud like when I started shaving for real because I had to, not because I wanted to feel like the Brawny guy on my mom's paper towels. No, I am the kind of proud man that the Bible speaks against or warns of. I realized this past week that I am just flat out proud. Pride is a root. A cancer. An oil spill of the soul. A welcomed sniper. A hound of winter and I became pride's prey this week.
If you actually read my blog or have checked in recently, you will notice that I deleted a post. It was actually the last post I wrote. I don't know if anything in that post was all that inappropriate or if it was wrong of me to write it. I do know, however, that I needed to delete it. I initially felt that my thoughts and feelings were justified and that I had a right to post them. That still may be the case but as days went on, God began to convict me about it. When I say convict, I mean he began to illuminate what was in darkness. At first I thought it was just the echoes of rules or traditions I grew up in. I thought maybe it's just good old responsibility knocking at my door but as I listened and looked closer, I realized it was God bringing my pride out into the light. As the light shone brighter, I knew I could either push it back into the darkness or deal with it.
Even though I put an end to this one area of pride in my life, there are so many dark corners of my heart. Proud. It's not a title but the reality of my nature. However, my job is not to fix the old self, but to let it die and continue to become the new creation Christ has created me to be. I encourage you to search the darkness that keeps you from accomplishing God's best. You see, I think you can still accomplish good while being proud, but I don't think you will ever accomplish the greatness God has for your life if you don't kill the gunman on the grassy knoll. If you look close enough, the spotlight shines brightly. Don't push it back into the darkness. Deal with it.
Showing posts with label spiritual journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual journal. Show all posts
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Spirit Filled
I think I am a part of a generation that is getting tired of mere experiential faith. What I mean by that is there are some that don't see the value in having experiences that have little to no impact on how the world functions. I think the baptism in the Holy Spirit has become this for many of us. It seems limited to a moment in time, an experience, an event. I am afraid if the spirit-filled life is only a moment at an altar we may lose the baptism altogether as generations that follow us see the lack of purpose and power. I am convinced that if the baptism of the Spirit isn't affecting a life outside of an event or moment then there isn't much evidence that the life is actually spirit-filled. What good is initial physical evidence if there isn't any other evidence to follow? "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." What a mighty percussion section we have become.
I am not suggesting that experience or moments in the presence of God are invalid or unnecessary. On the contrary, I myself have been forever changed by those moments. However, if we limit the working of the Spirit to a camp or tent meeting, then we have done a disservice to the Spirit's working. May we not forget the moments following the upper room. The world was changed because what followed the day of out-pouring. There was a mighty evidence that happened but that evidence was a means to an end. May we be consumed with the end not just the means!
Easter could never of happened without Christmas. Pentecost could never have happened without Easter. The Great Commission could never have happened without Pentecost. But the Great Commission couldn't have been carried out if men and women hadn't taken courage, lived empowered and missional lives. We are the ancestors of those men and women. May their flame continue in us. May we be inspired to pursue the Spirit and his in-filling so that we may lived empowered lives that change the world and make much of the name of Christ.
I am not suggesting that experience or moments in the presence of God are invalid or unnecessary. On the contrary, I myself have been forever changed by those moments. However, if we limit the working of the Spirit to a camp or tent meeting, then we have done a disservice to the Spirit's working. May we not forget the moments following the upper room. The world was changed because what followed the day of out-pouring. There was a mighty evidence that happened but that evidence was a means to an end. May we be consumed with the end not just the means!
Easter could never of happened without Christmas. Pentecost could never have happened without Easter. The Great Commission could never have happened without Pentecost. But the Great Commission couldn't have been carried out if men and women hadn't taken courage, lived empowered and missional lives. We are the ancestors of those men and women. May their flame continue in us. May we be inspired to pursue the Spirit and his in-filling so that we may lived empowered lives that change the world and make much of the name of Christ.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Dear Woman, Here is Your Son (Part 2)
Good Friday Continued...
May we follow in our Savior’s example.
1) Jesus shows us the value of today.
With this statement, we see how he values the here and now. He isn’t so focused on tomorrow that he forgets today. May we not be so focused on eternity that we pass up the divine moments that face us each day. As one preacher said it, “we mustn't be too heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.”
May we follow in our Savior’s example.
2) Even in death, Christ honored his mother.
What an example Christ is to all children. He is our example in honoring those dear to us...even in life’s weakest moments. Our families are precious gifts from God, and we should care for them under all circumstances. Neither Christian work nor the key responsibilities of life excuse us from caring for our families.
Listen to how one Commentary puts it...
“There is something infinitely moving in the fact that Jesus in the agony of the Cross, when the salvation of the world hung in the balance, thought of the loneliness of his mother in the days ahead. He never forgot the duties that lay to his hand. He was Mary's eldest son, and even in the moment of his cosmic battle, he did not forget the simple things that lay near home. To the end of the day, even on the Cross, Jesus was thinking more of the sorrows of others than of his own.”
May we follow in our Savior’s example
3) Christ shows us the value of relationship
In our evangelical world, we typically place a heavy value on relationship. Especially the relationship that we call faith. I have grown up hearing and saying that, “THIS IS NOT RELIGION, it’s relationship!” I think we see the distinction very well in our tradition. But Christ again show us the value of today. He models being intentional about his relationship with others. Yes our relationship with God is priority, but as we build authentic relationship and love one another, we, in fact, strengthen our connection to the Father. Jesus didn’t separate the heavenly from the earthly in his last moments. He saw the divine IN ALL and valued relationship to the very end.
May we do the same as we follow in our Savior’s example.
May we follow in our Savior’s example.
1) Jesus shows us the value of today.
With this statement, we see how he values the here and now. He isn’t so focused on tomorrow that he forgets today. May we not be so focused on eternity that we pass up the divine moments that face us each day. As one preacher said it, “we mustn't be too heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.”
May we follow in our Savior’s example.
2) Even in death, Christ honored his mother.
What an example Christ is to all children. He is our example in honoring those dear to us...even in life’s weakest moments. Our families are precious gifts from God, and we should care for them under all circumstances. Neither Christian work nor the key responsibilities of life excuse us from caring for our families.
Listen to how one Commentary puts it...
“There is something infinitely moving in the fact that Jesus in the agony of the Cross, when the salvation of the world hung in the balance, thought of the loneliness of his mother in the days ahead. He never forgot the duties that lay to his hand. He was Mary's eldest son, and even in the moment of his cosmic battle, he did not forget the simple things that lay near home. To the end of the day, even on the Cross, Jesus was thinking more of the sorrows of others than of his own.”
May we follow in our Savior’s example
3) Christ shows us the value of relationship
In our evangelical world, we typically place a heavy value on relationship. Especially the relationship that we call faith. I have grown up hearing and saying that, “THIS IS NOT RELIGION, it’s relationship!” I think we see the distinction very well in our tradition. But Christ again show us the value of today. He models being intentional about his relationship with others. Yes our relationship with God is priority, but as we build authentic relationship and love one another, we, in fact, strengthen our connection to the Father. Jesus didn’t separate the heavenly from the earthly in his last moments. He saw the divine IN ALL and valued relationship to the very end.
May we do the same as we follow in our Savior’s example.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Dear Woman, Here is Your Son (Part 1)
Today is Good Friday. It's the day when we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Cedar Park had a service today in remembrance of Christ's death and I had the privilege of speaking with the rest of the pastoral staff. We spoke on the Seven Last Words of Christ...I had "Dear woman, here is your son." The following is what I spoke on:
The third saying of Christ is “Dear woman, here is your son.” We find this account in the book of John…in the 19th chapter. In verse 25 we read:
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
We know that the disciple John, or John the Beloved, is the disciple described here…the disciple whom Jesus loved. He also happens to be the writer of this book.
As I read the account in John, I picture Christ scanning the crowd as he hangs in agony on Calvary. He is only moments from his death and stands on the doorstep of absorbing the Father’s wrath and personally taking on our sin. As he takes in some of his final mental images, his eyes stop at a group of mourners and one figure arrests his attention...he takes in the sight of his mother. In her late forties or early fifties, she still posses much of the beauty of her youth. And yet she finds herself at the foot of the cross that belongs to her son. Parents aren’t supposed to outlive their children.
I imagine his heart is filled with compassion and love and yet perhaps even sorrow for his mother. Sorrow because he knows he will be leaving this wonderful woman soon. What an amazing woman she is. What a saint. It’s hard to think of a human figure that plays a greater role in the story of Christ other than Christ himself. It was a mere thirty four years earlier that she uttered the words, “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said,” in response to the angel that visited her when she was a teen. It was her faith and obedience that changed the entire course of history. As a close follower of her son’s ministry, she was witness to the many miracles and and divine teachings of her son. In fact, it was Mary that encouraged her son to start his ministry at the wedding in Cana. She was one of his most faithful followers. And now with with Jesus’ last breath knocking on the door and with Joseph already dead, she will soon be alone.
In that moment, Jesus shows compassion on his mother and entrusts her into the care of his follower and friend, John. The relationship of Jesus and John was stronger than any of the other disciples, so John could fulfill the duties of a son more faithfully than anyone else. As they are there together at his feet, he tells both of them them that “here is your family.” The King James uses to word “behold” to tell of the account. “Woman, behold thy son!” And to John, “behold thy mother. It’s as if he is saying, behold, take in, realize and embrace your family, your future and my provision for your lives in this moment.
What a beautiful picture.
Jesus, fills the void of his death by giving Mary a new son, securing a home for her future care and even consoles her grief by putting her in the hands of the most loved of all his disciples.
May we follow in our Savior’s example
The third saying of Christ is “Dear woman, here is your son.” We find this account in the book of John…in the 19th chapter. In verse 25 we read:
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
We know that the disciple John, or John the Beloved, is the disciple described here…the disciple whom Jesus loved. He also happens to be the writer of this book.
As I read the account in John, I picture Christ scanning the crowd as he hangs in agony on Calvary. He is only moments from his death and stands on the doorstep of absorbing the Father’s wrath and personally taking on our sin. As he takes in some of his final mental images, his eyes stop at a group of mourners and one figure arrests his attention...he takes in the sight of his mother. In her late forties or early fifties, she still posses much of the beauty of her youth. And yet she finds herself at the foot of the cross that belongs to her son. Parents aren’t supposed to outlive their children.
I imagine his heart is filled with compassion and love and yet perhaps even sorrow for his mother. Sorrow because he knows he will be leaving this wonderful woman soon. What an amazing woman she is. What a saint. It’s hard to think of a human figure that plays a greater role in the story of Christ other than Christ himself. It was a mere thirty four years earlier that she uttered the words, “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said,” in response to the angel that visited her when she was a teen. It was her faith and obedience that changed the entire course of history. As a close follower of her son’s ministry, she was witness to the many miracles and and divine teachings of her son. In fact, it was Mary that encouraged her son to start his ministry at the wedding in Cana. She was one of his most faithful followers. And now with with Jesus’ last breath knocking on the door and with Joseph already dead, she will soon be alone.
In that moment, Jesus shows compassion on his mother and entrusts her into the care of his follower and friend, John. The relationship of Jesus and John was stronger than any of the other disciples, so John could fulfill the duties of a son more faithfully than anyone else. As they are there together at his feet, he tells both of them them that “here is your family.” The King James uses to word “behold” to tell of the account. “Woman, behold thy son!” And to John, “behold thy mother. It’s as if he is saying, behold, take in, realize and embrace your family, your future and my provision for your lives in this moment.
What a beautiful picture.
Jesus, fills the void of his death by giving Mary a new son, securing a home for her future care and even consoles her grief by putting her in the hands of the most loved of all his disciples.
May we follow in our Savior’s example
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
What Do I Have to Complain About (Part 2)
I went on a "prayer drive" today. I got in my mid-nineties, teal Silverado and started to drive around town. I spent an hour and a half just listening to God and dreaming about the future. I stopped to take an occasional picture of random activities going on around me and then it jumped out at me. A challenge that made me ask the same haunting question as last night. The billboard says, "Rainy days a year: 150 - Not everyone in the world is so lucky."UNICEF estimates that some 16 million people face immediate risk due to the current drought in Eastern Africa. In the country of Ethiopia alone, about 8 million people are in danger. Of those, about 1.4 million are children under age five.
When it rains in Seattle, I don't ever look to heaven and thank the God of creation. On most rainy days, I cover my head and complain. There are children all over the world that are dying because of a lack of clean drinking water and I drag my feet at the first sign of a little drizzle. What on earth do I have to complain about? Absolutely nothing.
Dear God, please don't stop talking to me. Sometimes it stings and my ego takes a necessary beating. However, I would rather hear your voice than continue to be the wretch you captured years ago. It comforts me to know that you even choose to speak to people in teal automobiles on random "prayer drives."
Monday, March 3, 2008
What Do I Have to Complain About
I have been giving some thought to something I witnessed on Sunday night. I was given a glimpse into the the country of Iran. We had a combined worship service with our Iranian Branch Church, Nejat, and had a catered Iranian dinner. It was a pretty eye-opening night. Having both cultures together was a great picture of how beautiful and powerful the Cedar Park Cathedral Model can be.
An hour into the night, emotions washed over me when a video was played telling of the faith of the underground church in Iran. It told of people who risk their lives to gather together in unity to worship their newly found Messiah. Most of them risk imprisonment and even physical harm since the act converting from Islam is illegal in Iran. Many Iranian Christians have even given the ultimate sacrifice of dying for the sake of the gospel. Later in the evening, I even found out that some of the leadership of Nejat have to keep their identity secret because their family could face persecution if their conversion was brought into the light.
An hour into the night, emotions washed over me when a video was played telling of the faith of the underground church in Iran. It told of people who risk their lives to gather together in unity to worship their newly found Messiah. Most of them risk imprisonment and even physical harm since the act converting from Islam is illegal in Iran. Many Iranian Christians have even given the ultimate sacrifice of dying for the sake of the gospel. Later in the evening, I even found out that some of the leadership of Nejat have to keep their identity secret because their family could face persecution if their conversion was brought into the light.
Some days I complain because I have to work too many hours at the church. Other days I consider quitting because other people don't like my music. Thoughts of self-pity fill my mind when there are days I don't feel like I'm used to my full potential. Then I talk to Christians with family members that actually put their lives on the line for the gospel. In those moments all of my problems seem very petty. What do I have to complain about? I live in a country where I am free to worship any way I please and I can tell anyone about my faith without any serious consequences. Yet, I sit in my office whining to God about my imperfect ministry life and neglect to tell my neighbor of the God that have a personal relationship with. Something doesn't add up here. Most days I need a very healthy reality check because I have nothing to complain about.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
A Small Glimpse
I'm not the most spontaneous person on the planet. And sometimes when I get long distance calls, I don't want to answer them because it might cut into my day. On Thursday afternoon I received one of those calls. It was a call from a student of ours from our youth group in Los Angeles. Turns out he was standing at the main entrance of Cedar Park.Kody Stewart just showed up unannounced with another one of our students, Huey Hulbert. For those of you who don't know Kody, this is definitely his M.O. in life. I think he's the fulfillment of the phrase, "flying by the seat of your pants." Kody is a professional mountain boarder and was making a gear run for a mountain board company based in Denver, where he currently lives. On his way "out of town" he shows up (unannounced of course) at Huey's house in Colorado Springs. "The Springs" is over an hour away in the opposite direction of Seattle...I love this kid! There is something inspiring about a free spirit like Kody that can just run until the tank of life is empty and somehow just keeps cruising on fumes for a miraculous amount of time.
Heather and I had the boys, now young men, over for dinner and they spent the entire meal telling us of near death experiences, life in Colorado, the updates of So Cal and all the memories we had at our little church in California. We talked about the time I broke Kody's wrist, the time he almost broke my tail bone on a mountain board, the time Huey won Fear Factor at snow camp, and about all the friends and stories we have from that little church. It was an evening full of laughter and reflection.
As the guys got into their truck with their sights set on another stop in Portland, I had a blessed feeling in my spirit. I felt a bit like a father...a spiritual dad of sorts. I hugged them and told them to go to church. I then told them if they didn't I would stick my foot somewhere unpleasant (just speaking the language of the people). It was one of those times where God shows you a small glimpse of heaven. I think sometimes He likes to show you the "payoff." He gives you a snapshot of what He has actually done in people's lives through your efforts, and it's like you can almost hear him say, "well done."
I know I'm not the most spontaneous person on the planet, but I really look forward to the next phone call from Kody.
Friday, February 29, 2008
UNASHAMED
I had lunch with one of my heroes today. I have to say it was exactly what I was praying for and what I needed. We had a great discussion about life, ministry and calling. He knew exactly where I was coming from. I walked away encouraged and inspired. It's so apparent that we share much of the same heart for ministry and have gone down much of the same path as well. He spoke life into my current situation and encouragement into the calling that I am wrestling with. When we returned to his church, I briefly stepped into the church prayer room while he met with a staff member. The room was covered from floor to ceiling in black butcher paper and there were writings of off-white chalk and crisp silver markers all over the walls and ceiling. As I looked closer, I saw prayers and words of empowerment and passion. As I was taking in the panorama of intercession, one grabbed my attention and spoke directly to my current reality. It said:
"Unreachable dreams are God given dreams. Never underestimate the person God has called you to be. You can bring freedom to the lost! UNASHAMED."
I don't know who wrote that or what inspired the hand that wrote it, but I honestly believe that is was written for me. I think God had a person 100 miles away write a simple message knowing that I would walk into that prayer room days or weeks later and need to be challenged by that word. It was a humbling moment as I soaked in the idea. I feel like there's a new sense of hope for the future journey God has me on. Praise to the omniscient and omnipresent God who knows all and is with all at all times!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Bumper Sticker
I went on a bit of a road trip today. I saw a great bumper sticker as I came up behind this mini van. You can't read it but it says, "Change is inevitable - Growth is optional." I like that. It was a great reminder that life will always bring turns to the journey and what really matters is how I respond to it. The next generation depends on us being able to grow amidst change. I hope I'm an old person that says to the kids that come behind us, "be yourself, dream big, and turn it up baby!"
Monday, February 25, 2008
Make Plans
Lent, in most Christian denominations, is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where, according to the Bible, He endured temptation by Satan.
For lent, I am fasting lunch. Fun. Not really. Joking aside, my lunch times have actually been a great time of intimate prayer and waiting on God.
In this Lenten season I have been focusing on three themes.
1) Find the source of my life in Christ
2) Be faithful in the little things of life
3) Make plans
One of my friend's favorite stories in the Bible is the story of a dreamer named Joseph. It's the tale of a group of brothers who go to kill their brother (Joseph) because of jealousy, but then decide to make a little cash and sell him into slavery. Can you say "dys-func-tion?" The remainder of the saga takes us through the journey of Joseph and how he works his way out of slavery into a place of prominence. He primarily does this because of the ability to interpret dreams.
One of the minor points of the story is Joseph's ability to make plans before he is put in his place of prominence. My friend asked me, "If someone was willing to give you a million dollars if you could just tell them what you were going to do with it, what would you tell them?" His point is a challenging one. Do I look to the future or am I only concerned with the here and now? I do believe we should live every moment with purpose, but many times that purpose needs to be focused on what's next.
I'll tell you what motivates me the most to make plans. My son. When I look in his eyes and see all the God-given potential within him, I know it is our generation's job to make plans. I don't want to look him in the eyes and tell him my generation didn't cut it. I want to give him and his generation a fighting chance at accomplishing what it is God has them to do.
Make Plans.
Bible Reference: Old Testament - Genesis 37 & 41
For lent, I am fasting lunch. Fun. Not really. Joking aside, my lunch times have actually been a great time of intimate prayer and waiting on God.
In this Lenten season I have been focusing on three themes.
1) Find the source of my life in Christ
2) Be faithful in the little things of life
3) Make plans
One of my friend's favorite stories in the Bible is the story of a dreamer named Joseph. It's the tale of a group of brothers who go to kill their brother (Joseph) because of jealousy, but then decide to make a little cash and sell him into slavery. Can you say "dys-func-tion?" The remainder of the saga takes us through the journey of Joseph and how he works his way out of slavery into a place of prominence. He primarily does this because of the ability to interpret dreams.
One of the minor points of the story is Joseph's ability to make plans before he is put in his place of prominence. My friend asked me, "If someone was willing to give you a million dollars if you could just tell them what you were going to do with it, what would you tell them?" His point is a challenging one. Do I look to the future or am I only concerned with the here and now? I do believe we should live every moment with purpose, but many times that purpose needs to be focused on what's next.
I'll tell you what motivates me the most to make plans. My son. When I look in his eyes and see all the God-given potential within him, I know it is our generation's job to make plans. I don't want to look him in the eyes and tell him my generation didn't cut it. I want to give him and his generation a fighting chance at accomplishing what it is God has them to do.
Make Plans.
Bible Reference: Old Testament - Genesis 37 & 41
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Just Like Everyone Else
So there's this story with a guy named Samuel and a guy named God. Samuel is a judge and God well...he's God (with a big G). In this story, God has people. I guess it's more accurate to say he has a people. He considers the families of Israel to be his special people. These people are pretty ticked with Samuel and his family. You see, Samuel was getting kind of old and had his sons to take over the family business. The only problem is that his sons were corrupt. When your "judicial system" is corrupt, I guess it doesn't matter whose people you are, you get ticked.
So, the leaders of Israel met with Samuel to discuss the matter (I picture it's like the clans of Scotland coming together to argue in the movie Braveheart). They tell Samuel that he's old and that his sons aren't following in his footsteps. Then they simply request that they want a king. My favorite part is that their entire rationale is based upon one premise. These people want a king simply because they want to be like all the other nations of the world - they want to be just like everyone else. God reassures Samuel that they are not rejecting their judge but they are, in fact, rejecting the king they already have - the God that calls them his people.
My first thought is how absurd these people are. But then I think how often I react the same way they did...I'm really no different. All I want sometimes is to be like everyone else - or at least I want to be the way I perceive everyone else to be. I want to substitute the divine for a 24 hour quick fix, designer jean wearing, card carrying "king" that will finally get me what I want. I mean isn't it really about what I want...isn't it about me? Most of the time it is.
I recently had a thought that I have never been mentored the way I hear of others being mentored. I feel like I haven't been invested in like I read in books and spiritual fairy tales and such. I ask, "Why can't I learn what to do rather than learn what not to do?" Then God speaks. He simply says, "Why can't I mentor you? Why must you be just like everyone else? Why can't I be your guide on this journey?" Then I shut up.
I'm not different than any of the people in this story. I probably would have been the first to walk up to the old man and tell him he's outdated and that his boys are punks. I would have raised my fist into the crisp air and clamored for a king. "A king, just like everyone else!" I'm pathetic. I feel like I'm in junior high. Like when I needed a pair of Reebok Pumps or the blue and gray Air Jordan’s because those were my school colors (Can you hear "Too Legit" playing in the background?). Yeah, it kind of feels like that. Nausea.
Well, welcome to my journey. Maybe some of us will enjoy walking the journey together.
Bible Reference: The Old Testament - 1 Samuel 8
So, the leaders of Israel met with Samuel to discuss the matter (I picture it's like the clans of Scotland coming together to argue in the movie Braveheart). They tell Samuel that he's old and that his sons aren't following in his footsteps. Then they simply request that they want a king. My favorite part is that their entire rationale is based upon one premise. These people want a king simply because they want to be like all the other nations of the world - they want to be just like everyone else. God reassures Samuel that they are not rejecting their judge but they are, in fact, rejecting the king they already have - the God that calls them his people.
My first thought is how absurd these people are. But then I think how often I react the same way they did...I'm really no different. All I want sometimes is to be like everyone else - or at least I want to be the way I perceive everyone else to be. I want to substitute the divine for a 24 hour quick fix, designer jean wearing, card carrying "king" that will finally get me what I want. I mean isn't it really about what I want...isn't it about me? Most of the time it is.
I recently had a thought that I have never been mentored the way I hear of others being mentored. I feel like I haven't been invested in like I read in books and spiritual fairy tales and such. I ask, "Why can't I learn what to do rather than learn what not to do?" Then God speaks. He simply says, "Why can't I mentor you? Why must you be just like everyone else? Why can't I be your guide on this journey?" Then I shut up.
I'm not different than any of the people in this story. I probably would have been the first to walk up to the old man and tell him he's outdated and that his boys are punks. I would have raised my fist into the crisp air and clamored for a king. "A king, just like everyone else!" I'm pathetic. I feel like I'm in junior high. Like when I needed a pair of Reebok Pumps or the blue and gray Air Jordan’s because those were my school colors (Can you hear "Too Legit" playing in the background?). Yeah, it kind of feels like that. Nausea.
Well, welcome to my journey. Maybe some of us will enjoy walking the journey together.
Bible Reference: The Old Testament - 1 Samuel 8
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
