Wednesday, January 7, 2009

chasing maturity

In my study this morning, I studied one of the most encouraging passages in Scripture.

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

He endured this so I would not give up! Wow! Certainly nothing I have ever gone through comes close to this sacrifice God gave.

My study went on to discuss how we can sometimes be chasing meaningless "maturity practices" or goals that can take our focus completely off of Jesus himself. This was freeing to me, described my continuous discouragement at failed trys! Looking to Jesus, abide in Him is all He asks, no lists, no trying to live up to others expectations!

Spiritual disciplines are good things, striving to mature spiritually is a good thing, but then the author of my study went on to say this; "perhaps spiritual growth is actually as simple and natural as breathing, when our focus is on Jesus and not on the breathing itself..." profound!

He calls me to just be focused on Him, when my eyes focus elsewhere I become easily discouraged. I love Him, I live for Him, I trust Him and I pledge my focus and life purpose to Him!! Chasing maturity simply leads me into His arms.

3 comments:

Jeffrey's Bay Baptist Church said...

Hi Lori

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Interesting that you had this reading this morning. Abide. Be. Breathe.

I love this passage. Rapidly becoming a favourite. I may just use it for Sunday's evening service.

Louise Knight said...

You may enjoy one or two of these and the blog around it if you're not already following.

http://store.todayschristianwomanstore.com/reforle14dej.html

Kendall Massey said...

It is amazing how God works. How he can get a word to you in a way - and from a place - you would never expect.

I read your article on "Idle Words" today, and then followed your link to this post. Lori, I don't know you - but just know you affected a struggling worship leader and his family for the good of God's kingdom.

To some, your post may not connect, but they were exactly what I needed to hear today. I needed the word of God to speak loud and clear, and you were the vessel.

I have been negative about my current situation too long and haven't trusted my God to take care of it. I know He will - sometimes we just need to be reminded of it.

Thank you for both your article and your post.

May God always be praised !