“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”
NUMBERS 28-29
MARK 9:1-29
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16“What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.
17A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
19“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
JOURNAL
This whole concept of shame and fear has been something that I've really been wrestling with. Most often I think of it in terms of something to avoid. Yet when I really delve into it I have realized that both of those emotions do serve a purpose. It really is the interpretation of them that makes all the difference
From most of my study of psychology...emotions and our ability to project and think are incredible gifts. They essentially are what make us human. The problems arise when we don't understand how to regulate and or understand the message and signals. Especially when emotions hijack our thoughts in ways that are not warranted or needed.
In looking at shame as it relates to the past...what purpose does it serve? Well for starters it has a powerful way of helping me to evaluate my own actions against right and wrong / good and evil. This is not a bad thing...it is necessary in helping me to decipher what is right and what is wrong. The problem arises when I take that too far and allow errors in judgment/actions etc to define me. It also goes too far when I truly believe that I am somehow different than the rest of humanity. The fact is... I need God, I am sinful and I need him every moment of every day.
It is the same when it comes to fear...fear is a necessary emotion that helps me navigate the future. It helps to see danger before it happens...therefore keeping me from doing things that could be detrimental to myself and others. The problem arises when the fear becomes consuming and causes me to limit myself in ways that are destructive, hurtful or in ways that keep me from growing and being my best.
The only real way to navigate these powerful emotions is when my identity is defined by God and scripture. When I daily search scripture and take my needs, hopes, dreams to God...then I can rest in the wisdom of the creator. I can see the past and the future through the lens of God's love. I can see the ways I have fallen short...not as an indictment but rather in humility that connects me to God and gives me compassion for others. I can see the future through the promise of the kingdom and all that God is doing to transform my mind and heart and the mind and heart of others.
However ultimately what God gives me is today. That's the beauty of these two forces...they exist as two barriers which help me to focus on the only thing that I truly have domain over...the present moment. Focusing my energy into the here and now is the key to being my best and serving and honoring God.
From most of my study of psychology...emotions and our ability to project and think are incredible gifts. They essentially are what make us human. The problems arise when we don't understand how to regulate and or understand the message and signals. Especially when emotions hijack our thoughts in ways that are not warranted or needed.
In looking at shame as it relates to the past...what purpose does it serve? Well for starters it has a powerful way of helping me to evaluate my own actions against right and wrong / good and evil. This is not a bad thing...it is necessary in helping me to decipher what is right and what is wrong. The problem arises when I take that too far and allow errors in judgment/actions etc to define me. It also goes too far when I truly believe that I am somehow different than the rest of humanity. The fact is... I need God, I am sinful and I need him every moment of every day.
It is the same when it comes to fear...fear is a necessary emotion that helps me navigate the future. It helps to see danger before it happens...therefore keeping me from doing things that could be detrimental to myself and others. The problem arises when the fear becomes consuming and causes me to limit myself in ways that are destructive, hurtful or in ways that keep me from growing and being my best.
The only real way to navigate these powerful emotions is when my identity is defined by God and scripture. When I daily search scripture and take my needs, hopes, dreams to God...then I can rest in the wisdom of the creator. I can see the past and the future through the lens of God's love. I can see the ways I have fallen short...not as an indictment but rather in humility that connects me to God and gives me compassion for others. I can see the future through the promise of the kingdom and all that God is doing to transform my mind and heart and the mind and heart of others.
However ultimately what God gives me is today. That's the beauty of these two forces...they exist as two barriers which help me to focus on the only thing that I truly have domain over...the present moment. Focusing my energy into the here and now is the key to being my best and serving and honoring God.
17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...
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