One of the most challenging problems I run up against for myself, is how easy it is for me to get off track in regard to my relationship with God in Christ. The great thing about this, though, is that God is ever present for us, in Jesus. And we can just as readily get back on track, as we got off. But we must want and choose this. This must be nothing less than a passion for us. Not only a belief. And we must also do so as soon as we realize this. To stay off track is to increasingly make it harder to get back on track.
I like how lost and miserable I feel when I'm off track. That indeed is an indication that I am. But getting off track can seem exhilerating or alright when we are doing that. Or it's like drifting. The point in this is that we're not following Jesus when we get off track. Our aim should be that we will follow him, no matter what, regardless of how we feel or what we're experiencing. And sometimes that will mean getting back on track in what could threaten to put us on a false track. This can happen often in many ways, seemingly small ways during one's day, and we have to learn to recognize this as it happens, so as to get back on, through realizing, acknowledging, repenting and by faith getting back on the Jesus way.
The way of Jesus. He kept on track himself, in following the road laid out for him, the road of the cross. A life of love and obedience to the Father. Only that kind of love can overcome all the false loves and idols we so easily become enamored by and even cling to. God help us to get back on track more and more readily. And to get off, less and less. That we might be among those who truly walk faithfully with God throughout our lives.
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8 comments:
You made me smile with that thought that getting off track can be comforting in its misery because it reminds you that you are off track! Ah, the paradoxes of life.
Ted,
Great post and thoughts as always.
"Only that kind of love can overcome all the false loves and idols we so easily become enamored by and even cling to."
Wow, what a great way to put it Ted! Well said!
Getting off track - stay off long and it's like you're caught in a rut. When that happens with a car, it's a pretty jarring experience to "jump" the car out of the rut and back on to solid ground - a bit painful spiritually too.
"only that kind of Love"
thank God
for His Love
that He so freely gives to us
and gives through us
praise God
L.L.,
It's just what we need. Wouldn't it be horrible if we felt great and at peace when off track. Then we would be confirmed in our sin. But God won't let that happen for us in Jesus. He disciplines us in love.
I know, L.L., you know all this full well, and much more. Just had to add that, and could go on. You know me.
Kinney,
Thanks, brother for your continued encouragement.
Susan,
Thanks!
And oh so true. Hopefully that pain can teach us a lesson to beware of letting that happen again. We're so in need, I speak for myself, but I know 'tis true as God's word tells us- for us all- we're so in need ever of God's grace, and to grow in that and to change from the inside out.
Nancy,
Yes, it's a different kind of love, for sure. A love that will not let us go, in Jesus. Amazing love, how can it be!
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