Thursday, September 10, 2009
Christ-like?
My husband and I had a thought provoking conversation yesterday. We were sitting on the back porch and he said that one of his friends had asked him, “Where is your heart”. We were pondering that question and where our priorities have been lying. We are caught up in so many things right now and preparing for so many new adventures. It’s easy to forget what we really believe is important. Kit also asked me if I believe that Jesus could really come tomorrow. Could he? Well, that was yesterday and today is the day after yesterday or tomorrow… so, He didn’t. But that doesn’t mean He’s not coming soon. Do I live my life as I should? I’m pretty sure that I don’t. I gossip and envy and am full of pride. My thoughts and my actions are nowhere close to the standard that Jesus has set. Thank God, he is full of mercy and forgiveness and loves me no matter what absurdities I display. But that does not mean that I shouldn’t challenge myself to become more like him. This is the challenge I encounter. What is “Christ-like”. I feel that some people’s impressions of what Christ is like is definitely not the Christ that I know. So, as I seek to become a more Christ-like person… what will that look like? Does that mean I never cuss. Does that mean I never watch a questionable movie? I’m pretty sure that it is something deeper than those things. I’m going to try and ponder questions like this more frequently. I would love to have other people’s thoughts as well. I’m not sure if this blog will become a continual thing or not. The Christian walk is a very personal thing… but should it be? Should we not share our struggles with each other? We’ll see if I’m brave enough to in the future!
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Great topic Jodi- every Wednesday I (and 2 other leaders) meet with a group of High School girls for youth group- we have been talking about the same thing, but also knowing Christ and trusting in his plan for us, etc. This is the prayer we gave them for this week~
ReplyDelete"God, show me who you are. I'm not coming with a request. I've got a long list but I'm leaving it outside the door for now. I'm just coming to you because I want to know you. I want to make your heart happy. I want to make you smile. Lord, show me your ways."
I like it :) Its a journey, a continual process and will never be perfect, but your not supposed to be perfect (but I think your pretty cool anyway) just human and thank goodness we are! lol
I will join you in this journey. I have been struggling in my own identity in Christ, if I was made in his image am i realy doing him justice? I've asked myself before, so I'll ask again. Am I a child of God or a brat of God?
ReplyDeleteA child takes what the parent gives them
A brat whines when what they're given isn't exactly what they want.
A child depends on the parent for everything.
A brat only goes to the parent when they want something.
A child has manners and says, "Please" and "thank you."
A brat has orders and says, "Now" or "you just don't love me."
A child does what they are told.
A brat does what they want.
A child runs to their parent and wants to be with them.
A brat waits until they are called.
A child is open to help and advice.
A brat refuses to accept help or ask for it.
A child admits when they were wrong or when they were bad.
A brat blames everybody else when they're in trouble.
Now, these are generalizations...but they do make a point.
God tells us that we need to be like "children" because kids are OBEDIENT and DEPENDANT. I think I'm more like a brat most of the time to be honest. Instead of TRUSTING God and submitting to His will and His Commandments...I would spend all of my time looking for loopholes, trying to find ways to cut corners or justify the sins that I’ve committed. This is a long weekend; I hope to start this weekend, to try to become more childlike. Have fun, be a little "dorky," and LAUGH!!
" Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." - Mark 10:15
Thanks for being my friend! -chris .v
Ahhh, yes, very thought provoking. I've been going thru the book "Give Me 40 Days," which is about taking 40 min. a day for 40 days to spend with God when you have an issue you want answers on. I've been doing more heart searching than usual, as a result, some very similar thoughts. I'm struggling with what God's purpose is for my life right now. Once the kids are gone, now what should I be doing? It seems that once we have an answer to that question it makes it easier to weigh subsequent decisions against one's purpose, making life easier to balance, I would think.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, seems that my problems over being Christ-like stem more from not spending regular time with Him. When I slip out of a habit of that one-on-one time, I find myself slipping so much more into the "little white" sins. So now in my 40-day program I'm again daily aware of how strongly I want to be like this amazing God who would spend time with me struggling over my little piddly earth issues!
Such good points! Allow God to reveal himself to you rather than going to him with a list of complaints. Don't be a brat, learn to be child-like, and don't look for loopholes to justify your actions. And spend regular time with God. One other point Kit and I discussed yesterday was that the previous day we had had a particular difficult day. Just arguing about silly stuff and having trouble letting stuff go. I realized 1/2 way through the day that I hadn't read my Bible that morning or even prayed. I stopped and did it. I definitely felt more emotional control afterwards. I don't believe that is because God is punishing me but that it is because I actually draw strength and a wiser perspective by spending time with him. Thanks for your thoughts and support guys! It will be an interesting journey!
ReplyDelete