This weekend, I had a couple of seemingly insignificant experiences that actually really made me think. . .
On Friday, I was driving to work (at the speed limit) when it appeared that everyone and their mother was passing me and speeding down the highway. For a minute, I was really bothered and considered picking up my speed but I changed my mind.
It's funny. I thought about parents who tell their children, "Just because 'everybody else' may be doing something, that doesn't make it right." That is the absolute truth!
As a young person- especially as a young Christian, it can be discouraging to feel like other people are passing you or leaving you in the dust. It may seem like they're progressing faster than you. (Things aren't always what they seem.)
Be encouraged!
In my case, plenty of people were driving faster than me and maybe they reached their destinations before me but that doesn't mean that they went about things the right way. Like I told the ladies at the most recent LOVE Outlet, "Doing the most does not mean that you're doing the best!"
Our main priority should be pleasing God/fulfilling His Will for our lives (in His timing). . .
. . .which brings me to my 2nd random observation.
As much as I appreciate the positive aspects of social media, its platforms are a constant reminder that many people's words and actions simply do not match or line up!
I was reminded that one's decision to follow Jesus truly must be a personal choice. One so significant that it is not swayed by peers or even family members. If we claim to live according to the Word, we need to be consistent.
Consistent (adj.)- unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time.
Don't get me wrong. . . I believe that there is always room for positive change/improvement but if your "changes" cause you to disregard the Word and lower your standards, I think some re-evaluation needs to take place.
I am convinced that some of us do not recognize the fact that we may be people's first impressions of a Christian. What does that look like, in your life? I'm not saying that we need to carry around "I Love Jesus" signs or speak in tongues at the drop of a hat but is love the foundation of your actions? Can people notice a difference when they deal with you versus someone who doesn't proclaim to know or love Jesus?
Or are you trying to be exactly like the world???
As I mentioned earlier, sometimes people feel like they're being left out or left behind. The trouble comes when they take it upon themselves to catch up. That may look differently for specific people (from music choices and apparel to hobbies, etc.).
Here's the thing. Jesus never told us to keep up with everyone else. He told us to draw near/grow closer to Him (James 4:8). He hasn't called us to live a boring life. . . but He is not constantly extending grace and mercy so that we can just be reckless, either.
We've been instructed to put a difference between holy and unholy; unclean and clean (Leviticus 10:10).
And as far as feeling like people are reaching their destinations before you. . . you really don't have time to even dwell on that. Realizing that God has created YOU for a purpose should propel you into walking in it and fulfilling God's Will for your life.
As you consistently seek and obey Him, allow God to work in/through You. Focus on progress- not speed! One of my favorite scriptures (Ephesians 3:20) tells us that God is able to do even more than we could think, ask, or imagine- according to the power (of the Holy Ghost) that works within us!
One day, you may look up and realize that you've surpassed your counterparts. Whether or not that's the case, remain humble. You don't want to be the reason why people turn away from God/the church, do you?
I just want to encourage you. . . Rather than focusing on those around you, concentrate on doing all that you can to please Jesus. Make it a point to spend time with Him- in prayer, in the Word, and even as you fellowship with other believers. Feed your spirit and be CONSISTENT in your walk with Him!
On Friday, I was driving to work (at the speed limit) when it appeared that everyone and their mother was passing me and speeding down the highway. For a minute, I was really bothered and considered picking up my speed but I changed my mind.
It's funny. I thought about parents who tell their children, "Just because 'everybody else' may be doing something, that doesn't make it right." That is the absolute truth!
As a young person- especially as a young Christian, it can be discouraging to feel like other people are passing you or leaving you in the dust. It may seem like they're progressing faster than you. (Things aren't always what they seem.)
Be encouraged!
In my case, plenty of people were driving faster than me and maybe they reached their destinations before me but that doesn't mean that they went about things the right way. Like I told the ladies at the most recent LOVE Outlet, "Doing the most does not mean that you're doing the best!"
Our main priority should be pleasing God/fulfilling His Will for our lives (in His timing). . .
. . .which brings me to my 2nd random observation.
As much as I appreciate the positive aspects of social media, its platforms are a constant reminder that many people's words and actions simply do not match or line up!
I was reminded that one's decision to follow Jesus truly must be a personal choice. One so significant that it is not swayed by peers or even family members. If we claim to live according to the Word, we need to be consistent.
Consistent (adj.)- unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time.
Don't get me wrong. . . I believe that there is always room for positive change/improvement but if your "changes" cause you to disregard the Word and lower your standards, I think some re-evaluation needs to take place.
I am convinced that some of us do not recognize the fact that we may be people's first impressions of a Christian. What does that look like, in your life? I'm not saying that we need to carry around "I Love Jesus" signs or speak in tongues at the drop of a hat but is love the foundation of your actions? Can people notice a difference when they deal with you versus someone who doesn't proclaim to know or love Jesus?
Or are you trying to be exactly like the world???
As I mentioned earlier, sometimes people feel like they're being left out or left behind. The trouble comes when they take it upon themselves to catch up. That may look differently for specific people (from music choices and apparel to hobbies, etc.).
Here's the thing. Jesus never told us to keep up with everyone else. He told us to draw near/grow closer to Him (James 4:8). He hasn't called us to live a boring life. . . but He is not constantly extending grace and mercy so that we can just be reckless, either.
We've been instructed to put a difference between holy and unholy; unclean and clean (Leviticus 10:10).
And as far as feeling like people are reaching their destinations before you. . . you really don't have time to even dwell on that. Realizing that God has created YOU for a purpose should propel you into walking in it and fulfilling God's Will for your life.
As you consistently seek and obey Him, allow God to work in/through You. Focus on progress- not speed! One of my favorite scriptures (Ephesians 3:20) tells us that God is able to do even more than we could think, ask, or imagine- according to the power (of the Holy Ghost) that works within us!
One day, you may look up and realize that you've surpassed your counterparts. Whether or not that's the case, remain humble. You don't want to be the reason why people turn away from God/the church, do you?
I just want to encourage you. . . Rather than focusing on those around you, concentrate on doing all that you can to please Jesus. Make it a point to spend time with Him- in prayer, in the Word, and even as you fellowship with other believers. Feed your spirit and be CONSISTENT in your walk with Him!
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