I've had an amazing time being back in ministry with my family,
doing worship at churches and going to do prison ministry together. Every time
I can hardly contain all the joy!
Something I've noticed lately is the barometer, or the temperature
gauge inside me, constantly monitoring my relationship with the Lord.
There have been some moments since I've been home where I felt like I’d been a little bit stagnant in my growth in God. I knew
something needed to happen, and I knew it was something I needed to do.
Then I read this...
"When we don't care if an enjoyment is making us more holy, we are moving into idolatry." ~John Piper
Hmm. Okay, I'm guilty. ;)
When I read this quote, I thought, "Ouch." It felt like
a slap in the face, but in a good sense in that it got me back to thinking
about all the things I might enjoy but aren't necessarily good for me. I
started thinking about movies, music, even food. How often do I do something
without thinking, "Does this please God?" Without even pausing to
question, “Is this pushing me TO or pulling me FROM God and His plans for my
life?”
I know, there might be some people who are thinking, "Come
on, isn't that a little legalistic?"
Well, from what I have seen, I think that the church has gone from
such strict rules, to nearly the polar opposite of encouraging people to do
whatever makes them happy because “God loves you where you're at.” Yes, rules
and commands have their place, and yes, God does love us no matter what.
However…
I think some people have succumbed to the idea that they can
"follow Jesus" without making changes in their life post-salvation.
Many in our society are so easily offended that correcting certain behaviors or
calling them on sin would be taken as a direct insult to who they believe they are. But as the Bible says, "You shall
know them by their fruit.”
Fruit.
The best proof of Jesus being alive and real is Him being alive in
and through us, right!? That can't help but result in a changed life. I don't
know if it's possible to have a radical encounter with Jesus and not want to
change some things in your life.
Will it be easy? No, probably not.
Will it be worth it? Absolutely.
I believe God wants us to daily assess our hearts, minds,
motivations, and growth according to His Word; to live in a state of learning
and becoming the most outstanding example of Himself that we can possibly
become.
That John Piper quote has just stuck with me. I couldn't help but
think about it for weeks afterwards. So naturally, I started to think about
those things that aren't growing me in my relationship with God. I've stopped
listening to secular music whenever I’m driving, which I was doing quite a bit.
Since then, I can honestly tell a difference in my thoughts and attitude
throughout the days. I've also changed the way I eat, even though I was already
conscientious about putting healthy food in my body.
"If it stops you from getting closer to God, then it needs to
go." ~Unknown
I can truthfully say that I feel like these changes have really
grown me and helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord.
I encourage you to just think about what those things are in your
life that you know aren't helping you. Pray, and I mean
really ask God, about what needs to change. What I changed might not be what
you need to, and I don't think I'm done making changes. But I can tell the Lord
is drawing close to me as I choose to be closer to Him.
Yes, it is worth it.
He is worth it.
