Church Life... Why?

For all the Christians out there who serve day in and day out within their church homes.

Why do you do it?

Anyone who has invited me to serve somewhere over the last couple years can attest to the fact that I have an initial hesitation in response to the invitation and often times say "no."

This is a new development in recent times and I am finally "putting thoughts to paper" under the assumption that I'm not the only one out there who carries this instinctive yield in her heart of hearts.

In testimonies and sermons we often hear someone on the platform proclaiming freedom from the idols and vices they once hid behind- drugs, alcohol, lust, media, and other surface issues that cut off circulation to the depths of their conscience. 

Another example would be those who hid because of the pain of heartbreak and abuse inflicted upon them by someone significant in their life.

But what about us... The ones who hide their pain & struggle behind Christian ministry? 

I have never run to drugs. I've never abused alcohol. My dependence or unhealthy outlets such as comfort food or the negligence of have never been so extreme that I can say I have ever lost control, hit rock bottom and required medical attention.

What was my vice? What has been my outlet? What has also let me down and hurt me more than anything else in life?

Christian ministry.

There is nothing in my life that I've had a harder time saying 'no' to. In high school I was in church just as much or more than I was a full time student and a part-time athlete. As I was given more church leadership, I experienced more judgement and pain from the people I called friends to the point where I didn't know how to commit to friends for the longest time out of an instinct to protect myself. With every passing year came a new set of friends to try and grow with.

While growth and leadership blossomed, so did legalism, self-righteousness, pride, and captivity. I had to be perfect. If I wasn't perfect I wouldn't be a good example to the children I ministered to and their parents. If I wasn't perfect, my peers would have even more of me to pick apart. 

Church life taught me how to be a good diplomat; how to be politically correct. At least I had the favor of my leaders. I could lead, I could teach, I could sing from a platform and no one could touch me. 

Eventually a breaking point came. All the striving has been exhausted and the last several years of moving away from my original grounds has created opportunity to examine how I truly want to live.

This isn't a question of whether or not to stay in the church. For many I think that does become an issue. If that's you, let me encourage you to let down your guard. Yes, people in the church hurt sometimes. Other times leadership is poor or something didn't come through for you. Let me remind you that the fear of the Lord is the only fear worth retaining no matter how much it hurts. Jesus said these two things go hand-in-hand: if we love him, then we feed his sheep and tend his lambs. Don't let the imperfections of human beings trip you up from running the race to win. Indeed, we are all human.

Which is why it makes me crazy when I start to step deeper into church life again. There is this expectation among the involved church-goers to be a part of everything.

"Did you go to Saturday night service? Did you go to Sunday morning? What about Sunday night?"

"You missed out on God's message to you tonight! Should've come to service..."

(As if God can't speak to you anywhere else or in any other way. HE is God!)

"So you attend women's ministry... But are you serving in it?" 

"You should join my team! (Even though I already know you're involved in other things.)"

It seems a bit intensified these days because my church has a leadership college integrated into it and therefore attracts people who live and breathe church life.

I've probably poked at and may have offended some people by now so let me continue on with clarifications.

While I carry scars from church life, few things have taught me more. I gain so much from showing up for services each weekend. The church has always been my outlet for exercising my God given gifts and talent and I absolutely love being a leader in those things. There is nowhere else I have flourished more than inside church walls. I love being a part of church life!

But what is it worth if I'm doing it for the sake of living up to people's expectations or even simply their suggestions? How meaningful is it to pour hours of effort and service if it is out of obligation?

Though I am attempting to embrace a lifelong pursuit of full-time ministry, I know what it is to be a full time student and to have commitments that require a high priority alongside, but outside of church life. Why are those things so hard for involved church-goers to respect?

Before I ever started considering full-time ministry, I wanted to be in the marketplace and really thought that's how God would use me in this world. Perhaps they will blend. But I can't tell you how many times I have felt labeled as less of a missionary for having a marketplace mentality, even to this day.

I'm just going to say it straight: that is NOT how it is supposed to be. When is Christ's body going to see the legitimacy in the people who can only make it to church once or twice a week? Why do we feel like it is so hard to relate as a ministry school student to someone who is going into a marketplace profession? Suddenly the mentality has shifted to this idea of reaching out to university students without actually sitting in classrooms alongside them.

God uses and places his people in all parts if the world- the missionary to the third world, the mega church pastor, the Fortune 500 company's CEO or associate, the student in university, vocational training or leadership college.

We have got to stop letting the details hinder us from looking at the common, core mission. No matter what our place is, we are called to GO INTO the world to MAKE disciples. While serving in church is a good thing and should be part of our Christian walk, we aren't meant to hide from the rest of life's requirements and priorities.

I'm not interested in letting my work life, studies, or home life suffer because I've made church life my only priority. 

Loving and serving Jesus is my life's entire priority and that can be exercised by cleaning my apartment, getting my degree, putting in the hours to the best of my ability at work, or faithfully serving in church every week. Even pastors have to pay their bills and taxes like everyone else.

Colossians 3:23 says, "WHATEVER you do, do it with all your heart, as though working for the Lord, not for men." (caps. added)

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit." -Philippians 2:-4

"For it is by grace that you have been saved, not by works, so no man can boast." -Eph 2:8-9

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." -1 Samuel 16:7b

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." -Romans 12:6-8

We could be an established pastor, the most faithful servant, the most committed leader... But if our relationship with the Lord is not established one-on-one before all else, what is it worth in the end? What source do we have to pour into people? I don't want to continue living my life in a way that the time I spend in the quiet place is significantly less proportionate to the time I spend pouring out.

I'm not going to exhaust myself signing up for things because other people expect me to or excite me into making an emotional decision. Every area of life has its significance and God watches how I steward them all. I refuse to neglect one because I prefer the other. I certainly don't want to remain in a legalistic lifestyle of believing that what I do and how often I serve in church is the defining factor of my relationship with God.

Father,

Open our eyes to the truth of our hearts. How can we be more faithful to you today? Help us to see and respect our brothers and sisters and encourage them in the diversity of positions you have placed us in to fight this battle and expand your kingdom. Teach us to recognize the significance in the menial daily responsibilities that are also of worth to you. Make us more like you and more faithful to you each and every day.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

(Thanks to Sheila Walsh... her testimony was the push I needed to write this.)

Recalling All Christians.

This post is dedicated to the community of believers I have been surrounded by my entire life: those who grew up in the church, live in a Christian nation, carry the affiliation of "Christian," live in Christian community and continue that journey to this day.

There was a point in John Wesley's life when he thought he should stop preaching because he was only beginning to understand the true nature of Christianity. Thankfully, a Moravian told him, "preach faith until you have it, then because you have it you will preach it."
(http://www.enterhisrest.org/history/bio_john_wesley.pdf)


What is about to be written has been bombarding my mind lately and I need to start preaching about it until it becomes real in my own life.

What am I doing with Christianity?

I am writing this post because I find myself constantly playing this game of tug-o-war where the life in my comfort zone and familiarity is on one side while the vision of something entirely new and uncomfortable pulls on the other. Lately, the tension from both sides is building and pulling stronger and stronger, back and forth.

Honestly, it is so painful to even write this post right now. I know it holds me accountable.

"I will go, I will go, I will go, Lord, send me..."

"I surrender all..."

"I throw my life upon all that You are 'cause I know You gave it all for me..."

"There is nothing else that's of worth to me... You are all that I want. You're all I need."

"Wonderful Saviour, my heart belongs to Thee..."

"I wanna sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hand..."

"Praise to the King of kings, You are my everything and I will adore You..."

"All of You is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need..."

"I trust in You..."

"May the vision of You be the death of me..."

"Yeah, I want everyone to know, everyone to know, I wanna tell the world about Your love."

I don't know how long it's been since you committed your life to Christ, but I've been singing songs like these for over 20 years.

Now that I'm six weeks away from achieving my Master's Degree, I'm beginning to feel like I've ticked off every box of major life expectations that are within my control (Ph.D.'s are optional and marriage requires a committed man... jobs partially depend on the employer). I've done everything my parents have asked of or encouraged me to do.

Cool. So... what now?

It's exhilarating and overwhelming to attempt to answer that question. The easiest answer would be, "Look for a job."

But I keep singing these songs, and reading these words from my Saviour & people like me who followed Him ages ago: 

"GO and make disciples of all nations..." (Matt. 28:19)

"Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

"...before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jer. 1:5)

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news... who proclaim salvation," (Is. 52:7)

"but we preach Christ crucified..." (1 Cor. 1:23)

"And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Rom. 10:14)

"live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Eph. 4:1)

I am constantly proclaiming these statements through song or claiming these commands as a part of my lifestyle and the TRUTH of my entire existence... what am I supposed to do now?

What are WE supposed to do with Christianity?

God doesn't make this a mystery. I constantly overcomplicate my life when, really, life's purpose is so simple: Accept the salvation of Christ's death and resurrection. Then, go; tell nations about what Jesus did. 

WHY IS THAT SO SCARY?!?!!?!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I AM CONSTANTLY FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It seems frightening because all I've known (and gratefully receive) is an abundance of comfort in the blessings and inheritance that has already built my life up to this point. I don't want to keep going to all these countries I've never seen before! I don't want to keep missing my family like I do or keep missing out on the changes and events happening in my friends lives! I want to go home! I want to settle down! I want to get married and have a pay check in the mail and savings account building because of a job that I enjoy! When do I get to feel comfortable again?!

But my life isn't about me.

It's about the Kingdom that I call home.

It's about actually living out what I claim to believe.

It's about taking the seat that was set apart for me;

to rule and reign as a princess of the Most High God.

For some, that means being salt and light in your hometown, in an office, in your family and among your friends. While I still in my humanness hope that those scenarios can be a part of my journey again, even for  a little while, I know I wasn't made to stay in one place or go back forever. I just know it. 

For some, this calling sounds like, 

Go, make disciples in your office.

Make disciples of your family.

Tell your campus about the love of Jesus.

Go make disciples of your community.

Tell your country about what Jesus did, no matter how "Christian" the culture is.

What matters most is that we can answer this question–

What am I doing with Christianity?

–in a way that satisfies the calling God has placed on our lives– as individuals and as members of one body.

Water.

Earlier this week, a preacher challenged everyone in the room to use our own words to exalt God with praise. I stopped short, lost for words. At first I was troubled by the thought that I was unable to just let the exaltations flow, but once the session came to a close I managed some time alone to think, write and enjoy the view of where I live right now.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sitting on a cliff's edge, I sat soaking in the sunset against my back. Before me, the soothing sound of waves crashed, the salty ocean air blew against my face, and the sight of surfers in the big blue ocean sent cheerful greetings from below.

With little editing, this is what I wrote:

"Father God,

Water is much like You. In small amounts, You are easy to handle, refreshing to take in, and harmless to play around with.

But when I finally stand in– wade deeper into– Your great, massive presence I quickly lose control. I get lost in the enormity of waves cycling through the sea. The sound of crashing waves is like a warning to anyone who comes near; an alarm to signal the power and intensity each one contains.

Oh God, just like I sit at this cliff's edge staring at the rocks below– so it is with my life. I'm at the edge. I can either walk away with my little thermos of water or take another step forward and leap off the cliff to be carried away by all that You are.

Oh I so long to be carried away by Your overwhelmingly powerful presence and will; to be in a state where I have lost control, but allow myself to be swept up and carried by Your presence all over me.

Jesus, I don't want to settle for my convenient cup of You whenever I get thirsty. Let me know You like I know the ocean.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen."

Arithmetic.

The more I learn about Christianity, the more I revisit the thought that God keeps his mathematics simple.

We are supposed to have childlike faith, so shouldn't we view God and his promises simply?

God has the following characteristics (among many, many, many amazing traits!):
–He is able.
–He never fails.

He also says, "apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

So the conclusion I am reaching is that it all adds up to this:

God is able to do things SO GREAT I cannot even imagine them or come to think of them with my teeny tiny human brain. (Ephesians 3:20)

God is able, he can never and will never fail, and I abide in him.

Therefore, I am able and I can never fail because of who he is.

Treasure Hunt.

15th Official Blog Post in AU. 25 January 2012

This past weekend was filled with the sound of wedding bells! Perhaps you are the bearer of this good news or maybe you are on the receiving–and squealing with excitement– end like me. Regardless, I think we can all tell that it is that time of year again.

Despite the fact that my current circumstances do not quite suggest that the “m-word” is in sight, I am just so excited! I’m excited just to be a woman!

Yeah, that sounds weird.

Let me explain why...

It is not for the reasons you think– I am not thinking about the awesome dress, the decorations, the attention, or the venue... Here is what has been on my mind:

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.”

-Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)

Basically, I think that is just the coolest thing ever! If you know me at all, you know I like to look at the parallel versions and Greek or Hebrew translations just to see if I understand the meaning correctly.

Good news: this verse says what it means and means what it says! 

In God’s eyes, not only do I get the pleasure and the benefits of a partnership– I get to be the catalyst for favor to come from Yahweh and into a man’s life! Plus, we will be one anyway so favor that comes to him means favor is coming to me, too.

Ladies, doesn’t that make you feel so valuable? Ha! By taking up a partnership, a man would be so blessed in ways he does not even realize yet! What could a godly man want more than favor from the Lord?!

I promise I am not trying to sound as vain as a peacock. I just think we should boast in what the Lord has given each of us just a little (or a lot) more and maybe try to rummage through the overgrowth of fears and past experiences which seem to hide away the treasures that exist inside relationships.

Women: be encouraged. You are a treasure and a blessing. Bring him good, not harm, all the days of your life.

Men: find a “keeper,” in God’s perfect season for you. She’ll be more worthwhile than you know. If you already found one, ask God to let you see all the ways He has favored you because of your marriage.

Heavenly Father,

May we walk in Your way. Give us eyes to see relationships the way You see them. I pray that this generation of marriages be set apart and rebuild any brokenness of marriages before us. May we take wisdom from those that have lived in partnership according to Your Word. Let Your Holy Spirit lead us all– married and singles alike– to be a light unto this world; a city on a hill. Teach us to be holy; set apart for this world to see that You are truly the difference in our lives.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Looking Back.

14th Official Blog Post in AU. 6 January 2012

I moved into a new apartment! Let’s just say the amount of stuff I have is ridiculous. Amidst, the crazed and tired atmosphere, something strange happened and it has been burned in my memory ever since.

I left a piece of toast in the panini/sandwich maker.

God only knows how long it’s been in there.

First of all, I realize that that is absolutely disgusting. I am trying my best not to be embarrassed about sharing such a gross fact with all of cyberspace.

All day the image of this formerly toasted, stale bread kept coming around...

That piece of toast is such proof of how distracted I have been this past season–

S p a c e y, overly adaptable, unusually withdrawn socially, non-committal...

not quite myself.

But there is a changing of seasons and I am in transition. I like it!

Change always seems to help prevent complacency.

Here’s to the new year:

A year of awakening.

A year of fruitfulness.

A year of productivity and diligence.

This year I will live genuinely according to who He has made me to be.

And discover the things I never knew I was capable of.

This year, I will not hold back from God.

He desires to make my life flourish.

He makes me influential.

I will be all that He dreams for me.

I will create, build, and distribute what He has anointed my hands to do.

This year, I refuse to accept self-destructive habits, thoughts, or attitudes.

I refuse to be so distracted that I leave toast in the sandwich maker.

I will be successful because He makes me capable.

Father,

Teach us to be more focused, faithful, and free to live out the confidence You are calling us to walk in this year. Keep us from wasting this precious time. You have a plan for us in each day. You take the things we dream of and make them grand. I want to live in every moment of developing those dreams to the scale that You are capable of. I know this development only comes in faithfulness to today; in attention to the little things. “Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire.”

Let it be. All that You have spoken, let it be.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Heart Cry.

13th Official Blog Post in AU. 29 December 2011

Heavenly Father,

I so desire to be the kind of woman that is set apart from this world. The more I strive to be an incredible woman, the more I see my shortcomings. I can do no good thing apart from You, Lord. 

What will it take to be beautiful; to radiate beauty in my attitude and everyday life? I need a change of heart, God. Destroy my self-seeking state of being. Take my pride and tear it to shreds. All I need is You.

I don’t know how to satisfy these longings apart from Your presence, Father. I don’t know how to grow and feel free to be my true self without believing You when You said, “this is who I’ve created you to be.” 

I have to be confident in the way you have designed me instead of looking to the right and left and suddenly thinking I should look and act more like this girl or that I will only be attractive if I live up to men’s supposed expectations. 

All that You are and all You have done should be enough for me to want to worship you with my lifestyle. My body is a temple– let me worship You by treating it with the best of foods, drinks, and activities. My gifts and talents are given to me for a purpose– let me steward them well instead of suppressing them in fear. My relationships were given to me so that I might proclaim Your Truth into the world– may I proclaim Your glory with grace, boldness and overflowing joy. 

You love me with an everlasting love.

Tell me who I am again, God.

Tell me of all You have purposed for me to be.

Fill my heart and mind with visions of the house I am to build.

Keep me from foolishly tearing it down with my own hands.

Teach me to dream again and be free again...

I want to love You with an everlasting love.

Messiah, my Love, Great God, Holy One; The Most Faithful of All.

I just want to be the best of what You’ve made me to be.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Seed.

12th Official Blog Post in AU. 22 December 2011

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.

We’ve been hearing a lot about them lately haven’t we?

Despite the fact that Australia’s atmosphere hardly carries the allure of Christmas spirit, I have been inspired by Pastor Jim Laffoon’s recent Twitter series and have gone back to scriptures about the birth of Jesus.

I have to admit that I haven’t even made it past Matthew 1 and Luke 1.

Though that may imply disinterest, I honestly cannot make it past those two particular chapters because of how much of an eye-opening affect it’s had on my life!

I definitely want to encourage you to read them for yourselves and determine how it speaks specifically to your life as well. 

Both of these chapters generally show us how Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth and Zacharias lived in faith and obedient action in response to what God had spoken into their lives. For the first time in these stories, I have begun noticing the fact that by believing what God had spoken to them, their choices defied their logic as well as the cultural expectations of the people around them.

What a sobering thought: there will be times–probably more than we expect– when we are faced with the need to discern who our loyalty belongs to. Do you know what God is leading you into? Will you walk in it or are you too concerned about the expectations of society, your culture, or the people around you? Though we are called to honor our parents, we are not worthy of God if we love them more than we love Him. If we are too afraid to take that one step into agreement as Zacharias did, we may never have our voice restored. Scripture shows how human we can be– Zacharias  asked the angel, “how will I know this for certain?” His doubts resulted in consequence (Luke 1:18, 20) Though Joseph was well-intentioned when he thought to send Mary away during her seemingly questionable pregnancy, it was actually in favor of God’s plan that he stay by her side. Even in the times we receive direct words from the Lord, it is so easy to take it and start dissecting it with logic, isn’t it? We rationalize it through, but have to reel our thoughts back into place if we want to remain obedient and in faith.

Luke chapter 1 is just LOADED with so much miraculous, faith-filled content!

Zacharias petitioned for and was granted a son from a previously barren wife.

She who was called barren is now in her sixth month.

For nothing will be impossible with God.

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord...”

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.

God, grace us with the diligence to cling to these promises! Nothing is impossible with You! We are blessed in our persistence of petitions and unwavering faith when we receive a word from You. First and foremost, may we live as bondservants– enslaved to righteousness by choice because we know that the reward and benefits of serving our Master far exceeds any life we could create for ourselves outside of Your Kingdom. I’d rather be a doorkeeper for You, than live according to my own desires. Nothing is too hard for You. According to our faith, let it be.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen... (So be it.)

Love is Reasonable.

11th Official Blog Post in AU. 1 December 2011

I read this blog post of my dear friend Mckenzie just after writing Isolation. and it really confirmed some thoughts from earlier that day. I just love witnessing the marriage she and David have. What seems to set them apart, aside from their obvious love for the Lord Jesus, is their attitude.

Any girl can write a blog about her life.

Any girl can talk about marriage.

But Mckenzie’s outlook on her life and marriage is what makes all the difference!

So many people in my general age group seem to get choked up with fear at the thought of marriage, loving someone fully, and allowing someone else to love them without feeling indebted or under conditions. Understandably so considering the divorce rate and dysfunctions of today’s modern family. At the same time, I think our relationships would be much healthier if we would stop allowing fear to rule over us and the decisions we make within our relationships!

We either:

1. Run away from relationships because they include challenges. Nobody wants struggles when we constantly hear Hollywood preach that everything should happen easily and flawlessly; life is lived happily ever after... Roll credits. That’s a wrap.
2. Run away because we are too comfortable with ourselves and fear the unpredictability of a relationship. Can you trust this person with your heart? How can you be sure? Do you really want to invest the time and energy this relationship would require? Especially when you have had your heart broken before. It is so easy to revert back to what experience has led us to believe. It can seem even easier to live for ourselves only.

As my last post encouraged: we need each other!

Also, life is done better together. Why? Partnership and community were God’s ideas!

Be reasonable about picking your partner. 

S/he may not be a super model or celebrity, s/he may not have perfectly airbrushed features, but can s/he do life with you on days you feel like less than a champion? Is s/he the kind of person who will love you when you are not squeaky clean? Will this person empower you to walk victoriously into all the the desires you know God has purposed for your life and see you through to its entirety? Do they carry the same conviction of commitment that you hold? Most divorces are a result of poor communication– how do you two communicate?

I know that last paragraph sounds so noble, structured and optimistic, but you come to know those things about people in the seemingly mundane details of every day life. While marriage will be an adventure, it may not be the kind of epic you envision it to be.

In the midst of what seems like a situation that counters the American Dream, Mckenzie says, 

“I love loving David. It blesses my heart, it gives me so much joy. It makes life so beautiful in the midst of the trials and tribulations that come our way... They have given us new eyes for one another, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I know this is going to be a time we’re going to look back on and remember as such a blessing. Though my heart definitely aches for the time we’re out of this valley!”

Through and through, her post gives me so much joy. Though they could easily turn on each other out of fear and stress, they cling to God’s promises and, as a result, are tightly bound to one another and filled with the joy of the Lord for strength.

Wow! Finishing up the passage in Ecclesiastes fits like a puzzle piece– how appropriate (and entirely unplanned):

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

(Ecc. 4:11-12)

Make God that center strand and He will give you the strength to maintain a simply joyful attitude in the midst of struggles. In His love, you are able to love another with more depth and longevity than you think you are capable of.

Here’s to a reasonable kind of love. In a world of hype, instant gratification, an “all about me” attitude and short attention spans– may we love unconditionally and faithfully to no end like He first loved us.

NOTE: For the record to any speculation out there (aka my friends or family), NO I am not ready to get married; this attitude is based on season not on emotions or fear. I am a content single–thankyouverymuch– who would be equally content with a “one-step-at-a-time” level of progress. This is NOT an advertisement! Only a clarification. :)

Isolation.

10th official blogpost in AU. 30 November 2011

How do you make the word, ‘isolation’ sound less... cold? The first alternative word I can think of is ‘alone.’ Do you like to be alone? How do you respond to being isolated from others or things?

I should be an expert on this subject by now– the last eighteen months of my life have consisted of the most alone time I think I have ever had. At first I nearly lost my mind. Now, I find I can appreciate solitude a bit more since this city is full of at least a couple million people hustling and bustling through every single second. I am easily content to do things or simply be by myself for probably much too long compared to the average person.

But is it good to be isolated?

The fastest yet insufficient answer would be no, it is not good. However, I think being alone can be good and is necessary at times.

Jesus would go away from his disciples to be alone with God. The Bible speaks of seeking God and practicing certain things like fasting without publicizing it to your community. What God sees is what matters and God sees every action, motive and thought. It is good to find contentment in being alone when you know you need it to fellowship with God. To give all you extroverts some assurance, being “alone” with God is not actually being alone anyway! He is with you!

On the other hand, there is the part where God says, “it is not good for man to be alone.” In this context, scripture is pointing to relationship.

So what are the things you do by yourself? Why do you do them alone?

If you are choosing not to spend time with and invest in people out of fear, insecurity, or past pain incurred through other relationships, it is time to take that before the Lord and also find someone like a pastor or a godly mentor type of leader who you can talk with. There is something in your heart that has distanced you from letting someone or many others into your life.

It is not good for man to be alone.

Why?

The place most impenetrable to people is where the constant battle for your life is waged– your mind. It is imperative that, as Christ followers, we are constantly releasing thoughts into prayers and discussions to ensure that no temptation floats around inside our minds long enough to grow into sin. Have you ever noticed those times you can be upset about something and then once you say it out loud you realize how small and insignificant it is? All that time it was rolling around in your mind made the issue seemed massive! Surrounding yourself with people you can trust and who maintain a godly perspective can make all the difference. You can help them, they can help you and everyone has a lower risk of falling into sin.

I find the Body of Christ is often plagued with fear of sharing with each other. It is scary, I know! You have to be vulnerable! You have to lay out your innermost being and hope that human beings around you will give back God’s love and grace in return. Though that does not always happen between people (unfortunately), do not give up. Ask God for the people you need to be surrounded by and determine for yourself to rise above the behavior of those who have hurt you. Forgive them. Keeping our mouths shut and cutting off fellowship with others would only satisfy the enemy’s desire to cut off circulation in the Body.

Last, but never least, God said, “it is not good for man to be alone,” just before he took a rib from Adam and created Eve, his helper. 

A partnership... why is it better to have a partner? Having to work so closely in relationship with someone else can seem like an addition to your life that would complicate matters further. I cannot think of a better way of describing it outside of Ecclesiastes:

Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their 

work:

if one falls down,

his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

(Ecc. 4:9-10)

God has given each of us unique strengths and talents. We also each have weaknesses. Once we recognize that we can contribute and share strengths and gifts to each others’ callings and purposes, the workload eases up. It is no longer your burden to bear. The load is lighter because others are running with you and sharing your load. 

Let them share it.

Abstemious Perspective.

9th Official Blog Post in AU. 2 November 2011

We are so good at singing and praying such extreme prayers– I am desperate for you, God. I give you everything– my whole life. I need you more than the AIR I BREATHE!

I do realize how significant these prayers are; my intent is not to mock them. But if you are anything like me, it is easy to sing these songs and overlook the average, yet specific prayers that address our everyday lives. Try it with me:

Jesus,

I need You more than chocolate,

more than caffeine,

more than comfort food.

Father, I need You more than the stuff in my closet.

I need You more than my iPhone.

I need You more than internet.

Lord...

I need You more than my friends. You are Lord.

I need You more than my brother and sister.

God, I need You more than my parents.

You are LORD.

I need You more than coffee dates and nights out on the town.

I need You more than the comfort of my warm, cozy bed.

Father, I need You more than Facebook.

I need to speak to You more than Twitter.

I need You more than Skype.

Holy Spirit, I need your voice more than YouTube, podcasts, movies, and great musicians.

Sovereign King...

I need You more than a boyfriend.

I need You more than a fiancé and a diamond ring.

I need You, God, more than I need a husband– even if he will be the most incredible partner I can have on earth.

You are LORD.

I need You more than this degree.

I need You more than a career.

I need You more than money, God.

I need you more than I want a family.

Dearest Jesus, I want to be moved by You more than I am persuaded to make my life unfold according to social norms. My schedule should be shaped around spending time with You and going where You lead instead of letting everything else define the meaning of productivity and accomplishment.

Whom do I worship, oh Lord? Who defines my life?

How dare I call you Lord– Master– if my life does not reflect such submission before You.

“Do not be quick with your mouth, 

do not be hasty in your heart 

to utter anything before God.

God is in heaven

and you are on earth,

so let your words be few.”

-Ecclesiastes 5:2