Call it inspiration. Call it an epiphany. Call it too much caffiene, too late at night. As I lie in bed, last night, trying to drift into dreamland, my mind was filled with too many thoughts. I pondered these questions: Am I living my life in a way that would make me spiritually significant? Why is it that when people want to achieve at the highest level they can, they train for it but, as a Christian, I seldom seem to train for reaching a higher level of acomplishment?
I realize that many people would argue that to become a Christian is to complete something, but I believe that becoming a Christian is merely the beginning of a lifelong journey. The beginning of a training regimine that brings about constant change in strength and understanding. I could not be considered a successful linguist if I purchased an English/German dictionary, and learned a few popular phrases. I would be innept and totally unprepared to move to Germany, and live in a Bavarian Mountain town where no one spoke English. I would learn slowly to communicate, of course, but would not think of working as an orator in that town. I would not be prepared. However, if I were to prepare myself, beforehand, then I would be more able to possitively affect those around me. Should Christians not train as an athlete trains? That is, with a goal of being the 'best' at ones calling.
My chiropractor, Dr. Ryan Calhoun of Clemson, has a philosophy of treatment that he calls "Maximised Living" I think goes along with this. (http://www.calhounwellness.com/5-essentials/5-essentials-overview.html)%20He He tells his patients that they should maximise in 5 key areas: Mindset, healthy nervous system, quality nutritian, excersise the body, and remove toxins.
So then there were these questions: Can I purge my life of those things that hinder my growth, as a Christian, while simultaneously filling the void with influences that could enhance my spiritual growth? Could I (should I) abstain from literature, music, news and entertainment that is non-growth-related while substituting genres that would enhance my goals? How do I succeed without forcing others into my experiment? In other words, What can I do that helps me to grow spiritually without being counterproductive. No one wants to be a fanatic, right? Although the person who stands on the street corner and preaches at everyone that goes by is totally commited, he is probably not very fruitful.
Some years back, I felt as though I had plateaued in my Christian walk. My good pal, Keith Williams, and I decided to try an experiment. We decided to fast for 40 days (not a complete fast, mind you, but a significant one). This was on top of our prayer and Bible reading. I really experienced a breakthrough. I guess I have come back to the place where I am tired of mediocrity, in my spiritual walk, and need to break through to something more. I am tired of playing in the minors and need to condition myself to move up to the big leagues.
Legalism is not my motive or goal. Spiritual growth is. It would involve growth in all areas...the total me, so to speak. Therefore spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth are all on the table. It would involve being proactive instead of reactive. It would involve giving up some things that might not be wrong, but aren't neccessarily right for me at this time.
I am committing to 1 month, to begin with. Call it a new year's resolution, but I am going to do it. Like an athlete in training. I want to avoid the wrong stuff and increase the right stuff. I will read my Bible each day and converse with its author more. I will commit to detoxifying my mind by turning off the TV when the programing is not in keeping with the building process. Can I learn from it? Does it edify? Is it uplifting? Radio, which I listen to during my 80+ mile daily commute, will have to fall under the same scrutiny. Internet use..Oh how I will miss Farmtown for a while. Excercise, oh how I loathe thee...at least at first. But we will become reacquainted. I will get proper rest and reduce stress. I will plan and complete what I need to accomplish. I will spend more time with family and friends. By the grace of God and with his help, I will improve me!
I want to be spiritually significant. I don't want to arrive at the end of my life and merely know that I survived. I want to be able to state, with fervor, that "I had an impact on the lives of those around me! I made a difference!"
I need a partner or partners who will join me. Together is always easier than sepparate, if for no other reason than accountability.
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I think that growth is different for different people, based on their needs. Likewise, significance falls into the same category. Is what's significant to you, significant to others? Is a life of significance somehow determined or defined by the value that we place in our significance or that of others? Is it enough to find oneself "significant" or do we require the recognition of others in order to know that we've made a difference? These are all the questions that come to mind for me as I read this. Of course, I'm rather partial to the author, who I know has strived to live a life of significance, even when unpopular. How many lives must one touch in order to be "successful" in the ministry of Jesus Christ? Is there a number of witnessee's, a point at which we arrive, that we say, "NOW I am significant?" Or is in the day to day living, in the touching of a single life, or the committment to grow closer to the lover of our humanity that deems us significant?
ReplyDeleteRead the Bible. Love others more than yourself. Enjoy life and communion with God, you were made for His, yet a mutual, enjoyment. Enjoy your marriage; God knew we needed company in life, even as He knew it would lead to problems.. yet still He blessed us with a mate? Enjoy your children and influence them, they are your inheritance. Learn the power of a true fast.
ReplyDeleteAnd endure, endure your own shortcomings and those of others as they move toward being a Christian… It's a requirement.