GrittynFree: Back Again

Today, I have one question gnawing at my mind: What matters the most to God?

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I have returned from the ashes! It has been a while since I wrote....for various reason. Nevertheless, in my absence, I have done a lot of thinking. Most recently, I had to confront my heart about what matters the most to God; what he treasures.

Through conflict, I saw what my heart wanted to say to prove my love for God. Yet, my mind said, "Huh? That's not what I should boast in." Like Paul I delight in boasting in my weakness, so I can remember Christ. Yet, in my moment of anger I saw self-righteousness try to rise up before it was mercilessly nailed to the cross of Jesus.

Although I felt wronged and my counterarguement was about God's mercy, scripture, etc., in private, God still had to remind me what matters most to him.

Is it our church attendence? How much money we give to church tithes? How many church services we went to? NO. Thank Our Merciful God!

Ephesians 2: 8-9 says, "(8) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—(9) not by works, so that no one can boast." (NIV)

The works are a reflection of the measure of faith we have in Jesus Christ, the one who gives us right standing (James 2:14-16) but it is not the most important.

Love is the most important. Scripture tells us that three things are important: faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Again, I beg you to understand that love is the greatest. We are meant to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12: 30-31).

We understand these concepts but I think sometimes we forget how to put it into practice. Sometimes we can dread giving praise to God or reading his word ( truthfully, sometimes I have too), but praise is a way to stop and say: "Hey, I see how kind you have been. Thank you. You've been a good friend." or "Hey Father. Thank you for everything." Reading the word is one of the ways to say, " Hey, let's have a father/child date," "Let's hang out" or "Dad, sit with me and tell me all about your knowledge and experience."

Likewise, sometimes we can get so used to praying for people but never doing anything about it. Most Christians say, "faith without works is dead." (James 2:17) but we (myself included) forget the first couple of verses above it. Let's read from v15 to v17. " Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat" - but then you don't give that person any food or clothing? What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deads, it is dead and useless."

Love drives us to surrender. Love drives us to strive for progressing in Christ each day. Love drives us to know God forgives us when we repent. Love drives us to let go of anger, impatience, pride, self-righteousness, etc. Love drives us to welcome a prodigal home.

So, how can we practically start showing love to God and our neighbors TODAY?

1. Call somone and ask about their day. Take the time to be concerned about at least one person's well being. I challenge you to call one person for minimum of four times within the month.

2. Identify a spiritually weak area you have (i.e. gossip, self-righteousness, etc.), give it to God, fast and pray for a week (have someone pray for you too if you can to clean house), and develop a new practice you want to try to replace it with. (i.e. saying, "I don't want to talk about gossip today" or simply walking away when gossip arises , taking commuion as often as you can to remember your Savior who redeemed you while you were a sinner, etc.)

3. Have fun with God as you reflect on his Goodness. Write a poem, dance wildly, sing, whatever you choose to do, and do it with all sincerity no matter who is looking.

   
   

Embark on the journey of love with the One who is Love! As you do,

Remember

• You are God's Child, holy and dearly loved.

• You are redeemed and forgiven by the Lamb of God

• You are reconciled back to God, free from the accusations of the enemy.

Sincerely,

Your Sister in Christ