Before you fully head off into your weekend, here are three things I have read and been thinking about this past week. Hope they are as helpful and challenging for you as they have been for me.
Have a great weekend as we pause to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
#1
You can’t really know God if you ignore his laws, especially the ones that regulate the most intimate spheres of life. You may be responsible and healthy, but you will also be shallow and inconsequential.
Bobos in Paradise by David Brooks
If we aren’t willing to follow Jesus then we aren’t ready to know his truth. The book of James warns to not be simply hearers but instead be doers of the word. It is easy to fool ourselves that hearing is enough. Christ’s truth can only be found in hearing and then doing.
#2
Faced with the choice between changing one’s mind
John Kenneth Galbraith
and proving that there is no need to do so,
almost everyone gets busy on the proof.
Jesus: Be perfect like your father in heaven is perfect.
Us: That’s impossible. No one can be perfect. Are you trying to tell me that I can’t make a mistake ever?
Jesus: Turn the other cheek.
Us: I don’t want to be a doormat and let people walk over me. I thought Jesus was a strong leader?
The above are but two examples from God’s Word that often give us pause along with responses that I have heard. Let me ask…what is the first thing we do when we come face to face with God’s word? Do we look how we can live into it or how we can avoid it by finding the loop hole or a more comforting interpretation? I think John Galbraith’s statement is a bit pessimistic but there is some truth to it. When is the last time you have changed your mind? More to the point…when is the last time that God’s Word has either changed your mind or changed your actions?
#3
Signs of a Restful Person
Doesn’t try to carry the weight of the world.
Doesn’t try to fix others.
Doesn’t plan life past the margins.
Others find rest in their presence.
Full disclosure. This list comes from a recent sermon of mine. I have been thinking a lot about being a restful person. Living urgently but not anxiously. Having space for God to work. Having space to be useful to others. Having my presence promote rest for others. All great things to consider as we begin the summer season when time slows down for many. Great time to think about who we are vs. who Christ has called us to be.
todd nelson 