This line has been used in TV shows and movies about the presidency, and by real-life servants of real presidents. It ran through my mind yesterday morning when Pastor Perry spoke about 1 John 5.3: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome..." It is an honor and a delight, he said, to serve God. It's not drudgery or joyless duty to live for Christ. Living a life worthy of the calling we've received is what we were created to do, it's what makes us feel most truly alive. (Eph. 3.16-4.1)
The Apostle Paul longed to be in heaven with the Lord, to see him face to face, yet he knew that life here on earth had a great purpose: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" he said in Philippians 1.21. Every breath we're given is a gift, meant to be used to serve God and not for our own pleasure.
Let's shift our focus. Let's remind ourselves and those around us that we exist to serve God. We were created to love and serve God, and it's a delightful thing. The moment we begin to feel that God's commands are burdensome, it's time to renew our minds through time in the Word, time with God's people, time meditating on Christ's sacrifice, and simply serving and obeying. These things will help us get our focus back where it belongs.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Great blog Grant!...Today, 06/20/10, Pastor Perry gave out a list of three books that he will be reading on his sabbatical over the next couple of months. As a family we thought it would be fun to read these books over the summer as well, and we were able to pick up the books at Borders. Elizabeth has even heard Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love, at Biola. We would love it if others who are reading these books would also post their thoughts! Just read the forward and preface of Crazy Love...and I am so excited about this book! At this rate we might finish these books before the summer is up! Have fun reading!!! Thiesen family
Post a Comment