Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (AMP)
Living in the time we do, there is a great influx of information. This is such an amazing opportunity. We get to see places in the world that even just 50 years ago, if we had heard about them, we might never have been able to see pictures of the diversity and beauty of all of it! The opportunity to share our lives with people from the other side of the globe through the simple action of turning on of a telephone or computer, is become an almost mundane occurrence.
At the same time, all this information comes with a lot of noise. So many things happening, mean that it can sometimes be confusing, frightening and distracting. It can make a person wonder if they are walking straight or even if they really are who they think they are. Sometimes the understanding of what is really important, gets lost in amongst all the really important things that are happening everywhere else.
In a movie long ago, there was a mysterious man ‘Curly’ who said that nothing was important but finding the ‘One Thing’.
Well, I posit, One Thing, is walking in super close relationship with Jesus. In some way, everything else could be considered to be ‘noise’.
I do not want to say that there are not important things out there. That there are not things that we must have opinions about or stand up for or against. However, what I do want to say is that if you have your compass tuned (yes, I know, you can’t tune a REAL compass.. yah boo technical people – you can un-tune one though, or at least demagnetise it…)
…if you have your compass tuned, your plumbline plumbed, your spirit levelled; then all things necessary for your particular attention will come straight from the mouth of God.
This is why I do go on so much about learning to hear His voice, and why talking to Him is so very important. He wants to be with us when we are washing dishes, when we are catching busses, when we are in the garden, or posting a status’, when we are moving house or school or state, when we are deliriously happy or sad or insanely out of our mind with frustration. He wants to show us where we left our keys and find the salt in the pantry. Or exactly the right present for Aunt Murgatroyd who smells of moth balls, to make her feel special and loved by the God of the Universe, which won’t be re-gifted next Christmas, or ever again.
Does this make sense?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV)
My personal philosophy runs a little like this: Is this necessary for my salvation? Yes or No? If yes? Then I keep firm to it. The truth of the Cross, the resurrection and ascension is necessary for my salvation. For example, food choices are not necessary for my salvation, they are a healthy lifestyle choice. Another example? I have friends who are 7 day literal Creationists, and friends who are Millions of years Evolution Theorists. Neither of these theories of Creation are necessary for Salvation, However, both groups acknowledge the Creator God over All – no matter how He chose to do it.
I think we waste a lot of time arguing with each other about these things, things that are not necessary to the point. No I am not going to tell you what I believe on that one, nor on any other thing. The Point is; the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ is God, and He wants to be in an intimate relationship with as many who will come. More in fact than will actually end up coming…
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV)
The Heart of the Father breaks over us. Look into His eyes sometime, I guarantee that you will find yourself in a way you have never found yourself before. There’s a hymn from the 1920’s by Helen Lemmel that often is reduced to just the chorus, which is an amazing four lines of pure truth:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. (full hymn below)
Jesus Himself said that two things were important. Love God with everything you have and are, and love other people and yourself. If you’re doing the first, He’ll teach you how to do the second in the most effective and affective ways.
God Bless You Very Much
Anita
O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Saviour, And life more abundant and free!
Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conqu’rors we are!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
Helen H Lemmel 1922