I have struggled for years with having a goal of trying to be "Christ-like" in my actions. Seriously. I would try so hard to do things the way He did, or respond the way He would. You know the whole: "WWJD (what would Jesus do?)" thing. I have often thrown my hands up in frustration of why we go after the unattainable goal of trying to imitate HIM!
The exhaustion that comes from experiencing defeat in whatever area of weakness you have is overwhelming. I've accepted over the years that this is just the way it is.....
.....until now....
....I kind of want you to go download Andy Stanley's Character Under Construction (Part 2) from iTunes first and then read the rest of this...... He says it so well. I so "Get IT" now.
I can't do (fill in the blank), but HE CAN!!!! The key is to: ABIDE.
Stay close. Don't think in terms of imitating HIM, think in terms of uninterrupted fellowship! Stay grafted in so that He produces fruit THROUGH us, not IN is. It's about viewing your entire Christian life in pure relationship. Allowing Him to live His life through us. We have huge holes and gaps and flaws in our character and we can't bridge the gap. He can do it through us!
Three things to remember when thinking about "abiding":
1. Think and act relationally, not religiously.
2. Focus on association and not imitation. You can't imitate Jesus.
3. I can't, but HE CAN through me.
I know I can't be a great unselfish Mother. But, He can through me. I will wake up in the morning and not be surprised by the area of my "trouble". I know where I'm tempted. I will look at the potential battle and anticipate it and I will pray:
Lord, today I can't deal with being a mother. But, I know that you can through me. * Amen *
7 comments:
LOVE THIS!!! Want to go listen to andy stanley right now! Maybe i will have to walk instead of run (old lady =))
You can't even imagine how much your entry spoke to me just now. On so many levels for a couple different areas in my life right now. I will have to go download your recommended passage, and see what God has to say to me about the things I've left on His table lately. Thank you so much, Rachel, I truly miss our friendship...
Well said!! In covenant, we exchange lives.....we get His life living in us. It is His life He lives. He is the only One Who can live like Him!! Why does it take us so long to understand such a profound truth?? I think it is because it is unlike any other relationship!! As Jesus was to the Father...totally submissive to His power in Him, so are we to Jesus. I feel a blog post coming on me, too!!!
The first thing to remember when abiding...amen, praise the Lord, and oh yes! Once we step out of religion and into relationship with Him, so much becomes clearer!
tru dat! luuuuuuv it.
Agreed! Timely and beautifully written post--encouraged me tonight! Xoxo
I definitely needed to hear that today! Thanks for words of encouragement friend!
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