Wednesday, January 21, 2009

HOW TO LIVE AS GOD CREATED US

What an interesting precept to think about-yet we struggle with it everyday as Christians. I'm reading a couple books right now: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Youth Ministry 3.0 by Marko. Both are amazing books, but I'm more intrigued by what Rob Bell's book has to offer-not to say that Youth Specialties Marko doesn't have anything to share...but lets move on.
Jesus started this movement or this process of working out how to live as God created us to live. He challenged the people of His time to rethink how to live out their faith. I will use a few examples-chew on them and let me know what you think:
JESUS HEALS ON THE SABBATH-Mark 3:1-6
JESUS CRITICIZES THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS-Luke 11:37-41
JESUS TEACHES ABOUT INNER PURITY-Mark 7:1-23
Did you read them? What Jesus asked for is something radial...it's about thinking outside the box. Do you think God wants you to go to church every Sunday for worship, Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Study, or even give money? Of course He does, but he wants you to because you want to-because deep within your heart there's a passion that burns to learn more about Him. All the previously mentioned doesn't hurt, in fact, it helps you grow closer to Him-you may find that His heart isn't far from yours.
It's true that sometimes our thoughts are far from what He would have us think, but that's the beauty of His love-the freedom we enjoy and remember. Times change, God doesn't. Random? Nah, because as we learn, the world around us changes and shifts-people that were once friends fall away and a new chapter begins.
Throughout history there have been those who have been transformed by God's Word-convicted to do things otherwise outside their comfort zone. One of those people is Martin Luther. He saw the injustice the church was causing God's people-he posted his 95 Theses or suggestions the church should consider for reform. Of course that's the word I want to cling to-REFORM. If you get nothing out of the stuff from above-may you remember reform. Not just the Reformation-a truly historical and important part of our past, but the reform that should constantly be taking place within.
Think about it this way-and Rob uses it in his book, think about the most well known painting you can think of. Now think about what painting is the 'best' painting in your mind...imagine if that artist would've announced to everyone: 'stop painting, but your brushes down, there's no need to draw or paint anymore for I have created the ultimate master piece.' Do you think anyone would've listened? Nope.
Which is why God sent His Son to teach us about the evolution of mans heart-the darkness that lingers within and the potential too. You see no one creates the exact same thing-sure, there are some who would go an make a copy at Kinkos, but the idea is to take what was great about the previous work and incorporate it with what works now.
So, how to live as God created us...well, it's a process that's for sure and we are still clay in the potters hand-right? I think from the scriptures we can learn something here...lets not have such hard hearts and be open to what God is teaching us through our frustrations and times of bliss.
Until next time...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

our bible study start again monday and we went back for our study the,
WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? BY: RICK
WARREN. I always like this title because it really makes me think why am I herd for. I am here for for Gods PURPOSE for me and you. By focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life's purpose. The Bible says, "It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his power." Wow! You wont discover your life's meaning by looking within yourself. You must begin with God, your Creator. You exist only because God wills that you exist. you were made by God and for God-and until you understand that, life will never make sense.It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end. Many of people try to use God for their own self-actualization. They want God to be a personal "genie" who serves their self-centered desires. But that is a reversal of nature and is doomed to failure. You were made for God, not vice versa, and life is about letting God use your own purposes. The Bible says, "Obsessiion with self in these matters is a dead end, attention to God leads us out into the a spaciou, free life."

Holly said...

Wow Libie, you should start your own blog!! you are amazing at this blogging! :) i couldnt agree with you or Jeff more. I know i struggle with this all the time. But i guess thats what pushes me to become closer to God, when im in the slums, it pushes me to reach out to Him more and more. Very good thoughts you guys...im still searching for my purpose for being here, besides living it up for HIM!! :) I feel theres more to my purpose and i keep searching. Anywho...good blogging...this helped :)