I have been reading this book off and on for the last month or so. It was loaned to me by our associate pastor. He randomly tosses books my way. I think I am going to have to get me a copy of this one because it is one of those books that you could read over and over again and glean more wisdom each time. Today I am pondering this chapter titled 'Of the few who love Jesus' cross.' It begins like this:
"Jesus has many lovers of his heavenly kingdom these days, but few of them carry his cross. He has many who desire comfort, but few who desire affliction. He has many friends to share his meals, but few to share his fasts. Everyone is eager to rejoice with him, but few are willing to endure anything with him. Many follow Jesus up to the breaking of the bread, but few pursue the shame of the cross. Many love Jesus as long as no difficulties touch them. Many praise and bless him as long as they receive comfort from him. But if Jesus hides himself and leaves them awhile, they either complain or fall into a deep depression."
and the chapter is ended with this:
"No one is richer, no one more powerful, no one more free than the person who can give his whole life to God and freely serve others with deep humility and love."
I wonder what my life would be like if I lived out this kind of love for Jesus. How would my life impact friends and family and those who I pass by each day if I lived this way. What about our churches? I imagine a church full of people who love the cross of Christ more than themselves. People who care less about gossip, less about fashion, less about programs and more about their neighbor who has never heard the hope of Jesus.
I am so thankful to God for showing me his transforming power at an early age, not only in my own life, but in the lives of those close to me. I am convicted though that I now live a very comfortable life and do not look for his transforming power with great expectation. It is not that he has ceased to be the miracle worker, it is me who loves myself and my comforts too much to live a life expecting great things! My own desires to fit in and live a mediocre life have blinded me from seeking Jesus everyday. I forgot that I am an alien in this world.
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