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(THIS WEEK: DEATH. This is the first part on self. Next up is the greater church.)
Change generally involves death.
I may like sweets and lazy days (which I do). The first is probably due to family history or some inner philosophy that says, “Life should be sweet.”
The second has to do with being a ponderer. I simply need time to think, dream and have some extra time to develop those daydreams into realities.
Good for me, except…
I am not oblivious to the fact that too much sugar can throw off my weight, increase the chance of inflammation and pave the way for serious health problems.
In the case of those lazy days, it is a fact that life has a way of throwing reasonable responsibilities our way. Some things have to be tabled with the belief that “there will come a time.”
Whether it’s sugar or dreaming, neither one comes into balance without a death.
Embracing the death that leads to life in these areas will eventually bring me to a new normal in which I actually enjoy a freedom and peace that wouldn’t have surfaced if I hadn’t faced the execution of those former practices and habits.
It’s interesting that Jesus had time for everything that was his to pursue. He might not have been tempted by sweets, but He sure had a hankering for those figs. Whoa, baby! And He certainly spent time with His Father praying - perhaps even daydreaming of the fulfillment of the wondrous pondering of The Trinity.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: Death looks better from its other side. Perceived in this manner, we can sweetly dream of its benefits.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Romans 12:11 (NIV) [Editor’s Note: “Discipline” can be imposed by God or we can actually try it ourselves!]
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COMMENTS:
Bob, great blog today. Have you ever had your bathroom remodeled ? What a mess for the week (or more) until everything is installed, the painting is finished, and you can finally use the shower again. As a believer in the process of sanctification it’s really messy too – decisions have to be altered, temptations must be avoided, frustration has to be held back, you can’t even swear – your life has to change – and you have to make every attempt to stay the course. And maybe the hardest part is starting to see yourself as different from the world you’re in, looking away from the flesh. But the Lord is faithful and provides help ... fellow believers to counsel and console you, the Word to guide you, and thankfully, the Holy Spirit to keep your path straight ... it can be done !
Gary Meyer, Ravena, NY
Bob I think Jesus said it best when He said the true path to life is daily dying! God bless you
Frank Wray, Delmar, NY