So often, I find myself longing for more. I've heard people talk about a gaping hole in their hearts until Christ enters and fills that void. I guess what I'm experiencing is similar, but it's very different. I know joy. I know peace. I know love. The One who is all of those things redeemed me. I am His. As marvelous as this is, I still know pain. My heart hurts, and I long for the parts of His plan that have yet to be revealed. Because I do know joy, peace, and love, though, there are times...fairly often...that I am given grace to be completely content in the midst of reality. No sooner have I thanked God for His kindness in this way am I blind-sided, and quite frankly bombarded with the temptations from the world to be discontent. Today I had the thought, "Look, I just fought the battle that you are trying to start again. Get over it, and put your eyes on Jesus."
Here's my question, a question that a friend of mine and I were discussing not too long ago: How do you show the world...better yet, other believers...that they need what you have (ie. contentment in Christ, acknowledgement that there's enough grace, complete satisfaction in the Lover of your soul, willingness to face persecution of ANY and every sort) without being prideful or offensive (which may or may not be something worth fearing...what can man do to me, anyway?)
It reminds me of Paul. How do you suppose it came across to the Corinthians when he exhorted them to be imitators of himself? He had to be full of the gospel, full of passion and love for God's people, full of humility, patience, grace. I keep running, and I keep looking side to side to see who's with me. I'm encouraged to see a familiar face, but I wish some more of the folks would act upon the quickly approaching finish line.
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