Thoughts: When a person comes to a close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, they realize that they can no longer live the same way they did before. For me, my life had to change. I had been born again of the Spirit and I was no longer of this world. I now belonged to my heavenly Father. For now, I must stay in this world and accomplish His mission.
Television was causing a lot of issues in my life, both for me personally and for my family. How could I even imagine getting closer to God if I kept filling my life with images and words that are not of Him. After ignoring the prodding of God for almost a year, I took the plunge and cable television was gone. The opposition was strong at first but I did not relent. Within 2 weeks my family actually came and thanked me. I think there is still more work to be done here but one step at a time.
For a few years now, I have been wanting to have a mid-life crisis. I would go from wanting to buy a motorcycle to an antique car to some other crazy thing. I never actually did any of these things because I had no peace about them. What I realize now is that I was trying to fill an emptiness in my life. That empty spot was the one reserved for Jesus and nothing else was going to fit in there correctly. I have abandoned myself to Jesus and I am finally going to have my "mid-life" crisis. I am going to be a disciple and evangelist for Christ. Now, this is something I have peace about.
My dad always instilled in my a strong sense of responsibility and much of it rooted around being financially secure. This is not a bad thing but I put too much reliance on the material things of this world and their promise of peace and security. No amount of money was ever going to be enough and peace was certainly not to be found there. I had often place my faith and the faith of my family as secondary. We went to church weekly and frequently received the sacraments but we were kind of missing the boat of true faith. Recently, I told my wife she could quit her job if she wanted. I don't know if she will quit or not but I needed to give up the world’s view on money and possessions.
There are people who look at me and just can’t understand why I am this way. I greeted a co-worker one day and he asked how I was. I told him that I was fantastic. He said, "Then you aren't of this world". I thought for a second, laughed, told him he was right and walked off. I went to a New Year's eve party and as I mingled with the different people of the party, I again realized that I am not part of this world. Don't get me wrong, I had a good time but I was different than the rest of the people at the party.
A life dedicated to Christ can be lonely. However, I find my consolation and joy in Jesus. People often see this and they ask why I am joyful. I share the gospel message with them.
I know there are still places in my life where I need to rid myself of things that are not of God. But I get stronger everyday as I slowly detach myself from the things in my life that do not lead me to God.
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