Not the super-freaky kind.
When I earlier discussed my goals, I concentrated on my personal goals. There is a huge part of my life that does not really fit within those particular goals -- how I live my life with the people in my life. If am am truly going to open myself up to making changes in my life, do things differently (love?), do things more (love?), do things less (not love?), then I must consider how I relate to my family, my friends, even strangers.
I have been reminded of this in one of my current bible studies that I mentioned in my last post -- No Other Gods by Kelly Minter. The basis of this study is that we must confront the modern-day idols that clutter and claim our hearts. When I first started the study, I thought my 'modern-day idol' would be ... Facebook. But, now that I am in my second week of the study, God has led me to something a little less superficial than social networking media. My big modern-day idols are power, control, and pride.
When I earlier discussed my goals, I concentrated on my personal goals. There is a huge part of my life that does not really fit within those particular goals -- how I live my life with the people in my life. If am am truly going to open myself up to making changes in my life, do things differently (love?), do things more (love?), do things less (not love?), then I must consider how I relate to my family, my friends, even strangers.
I have been reminded of this in one of my current bible studies that I mentioned in my last post -- No Other Gods by Kelly Minter. The basis of this study is that we must confront the modern-day idols that clutter and claim our hearts. When I first started the study, I thought my 'modern-day idol' would be ... Facebook. But, now that I am in my second week of the study, God has led me to something a little less superficial than social networking media. My big modern-day idols are power, control, and pride.
I am afraid that I might be considered a control-freak. This is a fault that I admit and I really am trying to change. My 'control-freakness' (is that a word?) ranges from having a innate desire to have my children wear certain clothes and comb their hair certain ways (okay, how about just comb their hair at all?) to not delegating work because I want to make sure it is done 'my way'. The latter really came to light in my former life as a Children's Ministry Director. But, I also believe that particular time of my life gave me the opportunity to take a chance, and by the end of my term I did learn to delegate...a little. I still hated it when somebody did things differently than I had in mind. Alas, I survived and all the programs seemed to go on without a hitch, even after I resigned from the position.
Unlike any other day, today I lit a candle as I began my studying. It became clear to me (today, at least), that not only do these sinful desires (power, control, and pride) affect my relationship with God, but they can "snuff out God's burning goodness". The candle in front of me could easily be blown out, leaving only brief embers of the former lively flame. The same can be said for how the fulfillment of our sinful desires can affect God's goodness in the world. Our sinful reactions and attitudes can negate any goodness of God that might be illuminated through our life otherwise.
Please, Lord, help me to allow your flame to burn brightly. Help me to reflect your glory in my actions, not my sinful desires.
Unlike any other day, today I lit a candle as I began my studying. It became clear to me (today, at least), that not only do these sinful desires (power, control, and pride) affect my relationship with God, but they can "snuff out God's burning goodness". The candle in front of me could easily be blown out, leaving only brief embers of the former lively flame. The same can be said for how the fulfillment of our sinful desires can affect God's goodness in the world. Our sinful reactions and attitudes can negate any goodness of God that might be illuminated through our life otherwise.
Please, Lord, help me to allow your flame to burn brightly. Help me to reflect your glory in my actions, not my sinful desires.
"Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to
God when he comes to judge the world."
God when he comes to judge the world."
1 Peter 2:12
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