Haven't you had one of those moments where you saw something or someone said something and realized if you could do something over again, you would do it differently? I know many times I have found myself in that position. But let's think about this: to want to do something all over again because you would do it differently doesn't make a lot of sense. Why? Because you are speaking from your present experience! That is something you didn't have and would not have if you were to do it over. We only speak from our gain now!
Having said that, there is one thing I have learned from my present that I would call on each and every one to do: MAKE GOD THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE! I can almost hear some reading this saying, "That's a no-brainer!" It is not as simple as it sounds. Many profess to make God their center but listen to them speak (those little "spiritual phrases" they pick up from others) and watch their actions and attitudes and it betrays them. Too many speak like the religious world, draw from the religious world and think like the religious world rather than God. John warned in the 1st century when all those left the apostles and their teachings: "They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them." (I John 4:5)
How do we go about making God the center of our lives? First we must recognize that the center of the Bible is not the Bible! It is the God of the Bible. The word is not the center but the God behind the word. The central subject in God's word is God Himself! We read about the interesting people and events but those people and events are not what is being revealed. They reveal the greatness and purpose of God Almighty! The heart of the Bible is a Person, GOD!
I realize we cannot get to know the God of the Bible without learning about Him from the Scriptures. Too many are missing God while caught up in 'stories.' Jesus said, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3) The term "know" is not head knowledge but a knowledge gained by experience. In other words, as God and His Lord Jesus reveals themselves through Scripture, you have to walk where they live. That's where the "knowing" becomes a reality. Too many walk after what they feel or think and therefore they never come to "know" God. For instance, to be unjustly treated and to reach out to those who hurt you (rather than withdraw into hurt and pity), you then will come to "know" God and His love.
Yes, if I could encourage us to do one thing, that would be make God the center of your life. He calls us to do that and it is absolutely essential for us to do that if we are going to gain real true knowledge of Him. There is nothing else that exists for us to make our center. There are too many creation worshipers, star gazers and spiritualists that make the Creator and Sustainer of our lives less while elevating the wrong things. Making health, fitness, education, intellect, beauty, wealth or power as your goal and desires will rob you of God and in the end, ruin your life!
2 comments:
There are so many things I appreciate about you and your writings. But, I have to say one of the main things that I so appreciate is your willingness to approach these topics with boldness, with a true, honest look at how we need to grow. SO many preachers and teachers only bring up a topic and then say NOTHING about it...some seem to timid to really dig in and teach....afraid to offend...or to be critical when needed. The lesson ends up being shallow and empty. I know we as christians have the responsibility to work out our own salvation...but, I can't express how much I appreciate the in depth teachings you offer us in your blog each week. Thank you for "stepping on my toes", for challenging me to look inward and see where I need to grow, to really hear things that are sometimes uncomfortable... Thank you! You are a blessing to so many!
Lesa said exactly what I think, well said.
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