I'm going a little philosophical on you today so I hope you don't mind!
I've been wrestling with some thoughts lately, thoughts that seem to go against the norm of the Christian culture, thoughts that challenge me and stretch me to the core. Perhaps these thoughts that have been swirling in my brain will challenge you in your walk? Maybe they'll further you towards Christ as well?
Let me start here. Since God has called me to the field of ministry where one writes, I often hear in this type of ministry that one should find their voice or use their voice. At first I kinda scratched my head about that concept not quite knowing what the so-called experts were talking about, but then I figured it out. Here's what it means in case you didn't know either: basically when you write something you should use your personality; you should be you. Hence, that's your voice. It's a simple concept, I know. But hey I'm kinda slow!
There's nothing wrong with that thought process, it's just that for me it goes against my spirit.
Here's what I mean.
What if instead of trying to find my voice or use my voice, I seek to use His voice when I write? Would the words that are typed out on this screen be different? More useful?
How about these thoughts....
What if in ministry we make the choice to rely on the Lord's strength rather than our own?
What if we made the effort to pour into the lives of others rather than expecting them to pour into us?
What if we fully surrender our lives to Christ with a reckless abandonment?
What if we actually counted it all joy when we faced various trials rather than thrown ourselves a pity party?
What if we whole-heartedly believed that all things would work together for our good even when we're in a difficult situation?
What if we really treated our money and possessions as if they truly belonged to the Lord?
What if we chose to make life all about Christ rather than all about us?
What if we woke every morning with the thought, "Not my will Lord, but Yours be done today?
What if we were the type of wife that respected and submitted to our
husband even if our man did not love us the way Christ loves the
church?
What if in our singleness we were content with Christ being our Bridegroom rather than longing for an earthly groom?
What if we were so intentional about lifting Christ up for all to see rather than lifting ourselves up?
Would our lives look different if we did these things? Would these things make an impact?
What if we kept doing these things until the whole earth hears?
Would the world see more of Him and less of us?
Would we make a greater impact for the Kingdom of God if we were deliberate in these pursuits? Would a non-believer be drawn to the Cross based on how we lived? Would the wounded, weary and weaker believer be encouraged by our lives and thus cause them to desire a deeper devotion with Christ?
I know nothing on this list is easy to tackle because we'd have to die to ourselves in the process, but what if in just some small way, we chose to lay down our lives for the sake of the Gospel?
Would we gain more joy, peace and the fullness of Christ in this process? I believe so.
But would there be a cost to doing these things? Of course, there's always a price to pay.
Are doing any of these things worth that cost?
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. Philippians 3:7-9
Live a poured out life for Christ,
Having been a reader of your blog for a little while now, I can recognize your "voice" as being straight to the point with a good sense of humor. But don't worry, the voice that comes in loudest is that of the Lord - that's why I keep coming back. Thanks for what you do - I always enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteYou blessed my heart, Tonya!
DeleteYes yes yes!!! May He become greater and us become less. :) I love how you think!
ReplyDeleteThanks friend. :)
DeleteI'm lovin' it, Jolene! That right thar is some GOOD stuff!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you and yours, m'lady!
Living for Christ day by day...
~Jason@SongSix3
To God be the glory, Jason.
DeleteHi Jolene - stopping by from Beholding Glory... LOVE THIS POST... especially...
ReplyDeleteWhat if instead of trying to find my voice or use my voice, I seek to use His voice when I write? Would the words that are typed out on this screen be different? More useful?
Thank you for this... I am going to read over and over this weekend!! Even print it to have up!! Thank you... God Bless you and thank you for always listening to HIS VOICE!!!
Monica
www.godsmostprecious.blogspot.com
So glad it encouraged you, Monica!
DeleteThis is a wonderful thought provoking and soul searching post....thanks for sharing and giving me something to reflect on...:)
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Sherry
So happy to hear it gives you something to ponder.
DeleteThis is great stuff Jolene! We should definitely take the self out of our motives and try to let the Lord use us as His vessels to do His work. I do think, though, that God gives us unique strengths and gifts for the express purpose of doing His work, so even though we should be seeking to be doing God's work instead of our own, I think God uses both our own unique strengths and weaknesses to convey His message uniquely through each of his wonderously made, original children.
ReplyDeleteHi Chels,
DeleteOf course God gives us unique strengths and gifts to be used for Him, but that's another post! :)
I agree! Less of me and more of Him... let that be my heart's cry everyday! stopping by from the Faith Filled Friday blog hop :) blessings
ReplyDeleteLess of me and more of Him is so hard to do! Thanks for stopping by Danise.
DeleteI love these heart piercing questions. I too have struggled with the "voice" concept. May all we do be for the glory of God.
ReplyDeleteYes, Christina, all for His glory!
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