Tuesday, July 01, 2008

get a life

When we hear the words, "Get a life," they're usually in a tone that is hardly encouraging. But Scripture tells us the same thing in words like, Choose life, not death. And Choose my ways that you may live. As well as, "I am the way and the truth and the life."

Oftentimes we're perplexed or unhappy about something in our lives to the point where we lose sight of where real life comes from. It doesn't come from having our way, or our needs met. Remember that the writer in Ecclesiastes speaks of a man or men having their own way completely, getting whatever they wanted, but in the end being left "high and dry." That writer ends up saying that what really matters in life is to fear God and keep his commandments.

More often than I'd like to admit, I too find myself wishing that this and that in my life would be different. I will admit I'd like to be doing something different vocationally, though I thank God for the job I have. And it's not above Christians to have thoughts of discontent in nearly every area of life.

But we need to hear and heed the words of God in Scripture telling us in gentle yet firm and persistent tones, Come to me, open the door for me, that you may have real life. This is where real life lies. Not in having our way, but in finding our way in the one who is the way, the truth and the life.

What words would you like to add here?

Tomorrow: "Indiana Jones - fear", from L.L. Barkat's book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places.

11 comments:

Shammickite said...

I read in one of your comments over at Lorenzo's that you like the UK.... I've just come back from 3 weeks holiday in the land where I was born (but sadly I don't live there any more) so thought you might be interested in some of my pix.

Anonymous said...

i can identify with this.
thank you for this...
very uplifting.

today i found, in something i thought yesterday, that the adjustment that was needed was not the something i was thinking about...but, my attitude.

Rachel Mc said...

"Not in having our way but in finding our way in the one who is the way, the truth, and the light."
But if I surrender to this completely how do I know I am doing it correctly? At this point in my journey I have a good relationship with God, one on one. Other than praying with my sons and reading at church services, I am not sharing all that I feel and experience with God and this journey. Why not? Does it matter? I am surrounded, daily, by so many who do not put God first or struggle like all of us, talking, praying, blogging, etc to be closer to God. They would tell me to "get a life" and get real - into the real world. Plus, with all the events in my life, I don't feel I am ready to share any part of my journey because who am I? Just a middle aged, divorced, mother of 3 sons.
(Sorry for the downer entry - very rough day and yes, someone did tell me to "get a life" today, and I was told I am too "into God")

Rachel Mc said...

Just wanted to write a happier entry. I just got back from talking to my pastor and I feel better, he reminded me that some people are choosen to be pastors, to be leaders in the church, etc and I shouldn't think that God wants me to convert everyone I meet, that is not my responsibility.
Whew, I feel better, I was thinking I was responsible for saving the person who told me to get a life today...

Allan R. Bevere said...

"Get a life!" I love it! Good post.

Your meditation is a great springboard for a sermon.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Beautiful pics, Ex-Shammickite! When I get a chance I'll read those posts. Yes, the UK would be a most fun place to visit, but Ontario isn't bad either- especially up north a ways, I hear.

Thanks!

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy,
I hear you on that. Oftentimes that is our problem, and clouds the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2) we've been given.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Rachel,
Sorry to hear of your difficult day and what you encountered, but glad to hear of the good counsel your pastor gave you.

Just keep faithful in your work. Let your co-workers see the difference that way. With the smile in your face, and the ready helping hand from your heart.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Allan,
Thanks so much for your very kind and encouraging words.

nannykim said...

I like Tozer's quote:

"But the God we must see is not the utilitarian God who is having such a run of popularity today, whose chief claim to man’s attention is his ability to bring them success in their various undertakings and who for that reason is being cajoled and flattered by everyone who wants a favor. The God we must learn to know is the Majesty in the heavens, God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God our Savior. He it is that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, who stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in, who bringeth out his stary host by number and calleth them all by name through the greatness of his power, who seeth the works of man as vanity, who putteth no confidence in princes and asks no counsel of kings.”

When we are in Him, this true and living God, WOW that should transform our attitudes and thoughts eh?

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nannykim,
Thanks for stopping by, and for the great quote and thought.

Yes, we need to know more of the greatness of God and reflect more on that. It will swallow up our little and big problems whole, I think.