OCTOBER 17, 2016

“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” 
― Socrates

ISAIAH 62-64

8Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

We are the clay, you are the potter;

we are all the work of your hand. (64:8) 

1 THESSALONIANS 5

12Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

JOURNAL 

Oh to truly live this way and to live in a community where everyone really took this to heart. I guess that is the hope...that is heaven come down to earth. This is what we live and put our hope in...that we would "rejoice always, pray continually...giving thanks in all circumstances." 

The fear for me is that living this way would cost me so much and my return would be so little. Wow! I really did just write that...This is such a gut check for me. I look around and often it feels that no one lives this way. It feels very much the opposite...people complaining, rarely praying and griping in all circumstances. I know that is perception but there is also truth in this, which obviously is why God calls us to a different way.  He calls us to be a light in the world, even though we may be rejected as such. I then wonder what good can really come out of being obedient in this way?

I think the point is to always bring Jesus with me, to be sure he is included in every interaction and every circumstance, no matter how trivial or dire. For to seek him always creates the habit of living my life enveloped in his love. To do so creates a life of joy, hope and love. This then is worth sacrificing for...it is worth giving up my "rights"...because doing so gives me forgiveness and grace in all circumstances.  No matter the outcome, no matter how the world perceives and judges my life, a life given to following Christ will be worth it because in the end...it's all that really matters.  

25For whoever wants to save their life^f will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

MATTHEW 16:25-26