For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Philippians 2:21
How many of us find ourselves in this struggle of what the flesh wants and what the Spirit wants? What our heart thinks we need and what the Father knows we need?
If you are honest, are you really about advancing the interests of Jesus?
What we do shows what we believe. What we devote the most time to shows the true state of our hearts. I don’t really want to see what’s in my heart, but lately I have been feeling exposed. My lofty castle I built on a foundation of self-righteousness has begun to crumble and I am left wondering if I really even understand the cross.
When pressure is applied to the false places in our lives we are forced to make a decision, renew the mind or continue to hide.
I need the mind of Christ.
It’s so easy to look around at what culture calls a relationship with God and think, “Well this is what it looks like.” I’m not so sure I buy into our version of the Christian life anymore; at least the American version of it.
Nice buildings, comfy chairs, amazing music, but where is the risk? Where is the sense of mission and transformation? When did this thing become so about us and so not about the interests of Christ?
Lest we forget here are a few of his interests.
Seeking and saving the lost
Making disciples (not church attenders) of all nations
The Fathers will on earth as it is in heaven
Unconditional, irrational love
If I am honest most of my energy, prayer, and thoughts are centered on what is best for me.
The idol of self is a hard one to kill.
So what does this really look like? If you press into a life fully given to him, be prepared for a battle to ensue. The flesh and the enemy want nothing more than to lull us into a life void of risk and full of comfort, but the Sprit calls us to things that are directly opposed to what the world is promoting.
This life is short and we need to make sure we are pursuing what really matters. This life is not the point it is temporary.
I’m dead in the center of this battle! My flesh is begging me to take him off the cross and my Spirit is shouting crucify him. I want to live a life worthy of his sacrifice; I want to live devoted to the heart of my Father.
How about you? I would love to hear where you are at in this and any thoughts you might have! Lets renew our minds and get after following the heart of the Father wherever he leads.
