| Sunday, June 25, 2006 |
| The cooprative puzzle. |
Written: 5/17/06
I was thinking the other day how hard life can be when it feels like we can't relate to the people around us. Since we need cooperation between people to go about our daily lives, a constant stuggle arises on how to agree and compromise upon things to make them happen. In some instances this can make conversation, social funcions and even life altogether a bit difficult to say the least. I believe that even though this can sometimes make our world interesting, it is also a huge cause of stress.
Just think about your day today. How many descisions did you have to make? What went through your mind as you processesd solutions or answers to questions. Were others taken into account? Did you stop and pray about the things you were unsure about or had no answer too?
Alot of our life is composed of these little distractions that build up until we become frustrated and we're no longer able to use a compassionate manner in dealing with them because we're worn and tired.
So where does God come into the picture? How do we involve him in the way he intends to be a part of our lives? Do you think in heaven anyone has this kind of problem? I don't think so. I think this is because in heaven there's no need to wonder or ask about what should come next, or what needs to be done. This is due to the fact that in Heaven, everything without question is done for the complete glory and pleasure of God. Not one single thing is done for any other reason. His perfect will is apprent at all times. So why is it that we should be any different? Obviously in heaven things are perfect. The complete opposite from where we live.
Boundaries have to be set in order to allow for personal space to be respected, and manners have to be instituted to make sure we don't hurt our fellow brothers and sisters or offend them by our behavior. But that's here, not heaven. As stewards of Christ's love in action are we not to make ourselves seperate from what the world dictates as acceptable?
"Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercies to offer you bodies as a living sacrafice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good pleasing, and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2.
We are to remind ourselves of what we're here for by constantly remembering the transition and renewal we received by accepting Christ. When we are constantly reminded of this purpose it becomes apparent what we are to set our goals upon: Christ's perfect will for not only our lives but also for those around us. Now i'm not saying that the differences we have are a bad thing or that we should just all try to agree with eachother like lemmings and never have our own opinion. Indeed God instills special gifts and talents in all of us in order that we may serve him as pieces of a puzzle that come together to glorify His word and name.
Yet how many puzzle pieces have you known to argue about their place or try to change thier shape in order to fit somewhere else in the picture? None. That's because they are specifically made to fit in that very space everytime the puzzle comes together. And without it, the puzzle is unfinished. "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Cor 12:4-7.
All of us are called to come forward with our specific gifts and add to God's plan what we are intended to fulfill. This means giving up our selfish ambition and giving our lives over to Jesus so that they may run in sync with his holy plan.
Missy. last remembered on 6/25/2006 03:14:00 PM
