"Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions." 2 Cor. 5:9-10 (Message)
Since the beginning of the year I have been reading the new testament - The Message. I really like to read many different Bible translations/versions. I have found this one to be most enlightening.
Everything for God, Cheerfully? Are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong, I can't get enough of God. I study the bible and have a special prayer time with God every night. I read a devotional before leaving for work in the morning. I subscribe to Chuck Swindoll's Insight for Living Daily Devotional that I study during the middle of my day. I pray for people and situations throughout my day. I do all these things, not because I am this amazing christian. I do it because I realize how far I am from "cheerfully pleasing God, regardless of my conditions."
I am sure my daughters (all 3 of them) would tell you that I am classified as a "Grump". I don't really know how this came about in my life. I truly love life. I love my wife, my family, my grandkids, my work, the people at work, the kids at our school, and the community I live in. O really don't like to be thought of as a "Grump". I prefer to think of myself as "focused". But I would say being "focused" does sometimes get in the way of me cheerfully pleasing God. Even though God designed me, I am not satisfied with who I am. I want to change, but the change is slow. The funny thing, God is happy with who I am. God is happy with who we are but he is still trying to change me. As a matter of fact, I can't change on my own. I can only change through the power of Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in my life. My family has always been patient with me and so much more. God is patient. In fact, he has forever. As long as I rely on him to change me and stay focused on him, I will get better. God knows I have a long way to go. I am truly thankful to have a God who is trying to change me, but loves me as I am. That is truly Amazing Grace!
Lord, please help me be a cheerful follower. Help me to show on the outside what amazing changes you are making on the inside. Help me to lighten up and trust you through all circumstances. Amen!
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