Thursday, July 27, 2006
STRIVING
As Christians, it seems like we are always striving. Striving to be like Jesus. Striving to love more fully. Striving to discern God's will for our lives. Striving to follow His will. If I were to look back in my blog posts, I am sure I would find numerous times where I have used the word "strive" in relationship to the Christian journey.
Merriam Webster has the meaning of "strive" as "to devote serious effort or energy." The word "strive" actually derived from the word "strife" which is defined as something involving dissension or conflict. Hearing that conjures up a lot of negative thoughts and emotions. It sounds like something bad, not necessarily something you would want to be involved with. Particularly for an introverted milquetoast like myself, this idea of purposefully working in ways that might bring conflict with the world is a bit overwhelming.
During His ministry, Jesus was striving though. He was striving to show love and compassion. He was striving to set the wheels in motion for the early church. Throughout it all and as particularly evidenced in His final days before being crucified, He was striving to follow His father's will. It seems like, with His family lineage shall I say, these things should have come easy for Him. Yet, by being human, He was undoubtedly subject to the frailties that affect us today as well. He proved that we, even in this frail human form, can indeed live the lives God intends for us to live.
John 1:14-15 (MSG) says "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish."
For us, the striving not just a part of the journey but indeed it is the journey. It doesn't come without sacrifice. It may even involve conflict. But it is done out of commitment to and love for the One we seek to follow. The relentless pursuit of this journey is how we can best show our love for God once we accept Him into our heart. We cannot be perfect in this human form -- of that there is no doubt. As with any journey, though, you keep the destination first in mind at all times. When I am traveling and I refuse to seek direction, I may get lost but I do not forget where I am going. Once I am lost, I break down, ask for directions, and get back on the path. And so it is with my Christian journey ... striving to do as He wants me to do until I am at last with Him in heaven.
Merriam Webster has the meaning of "strive" as "to devote serious effort or energy." The word "strive" actually derived from the word "strife" which is defined as something involving dissension or conflict. Hearing that conjures up a lot of negative thoughts and emotions. It sounds like something bad, not necessarily something you would want to be involved with. Particularly for an introverted milquetoast like myself, this idea of purposefully working in ways that might bring conflict with the world is a bit overwhelming.
During His ministry, Jesus was striving though. He was striving to show love and compassion. He was striving to set the wheels in motion for the early church. Throughout it all and as particularly evidenced in His final days before being crucified, He was striving to follow His father's will. It seems like, with His family lineage shall I say, these things should have come easy for Him. Yet, by being human, He was undoubtedly subject to the frailties that affect us today as well. He proved that we, even in this frail human form, can indeed live the lives God intends for us to live.
John 1:14-15 (MSG) says "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish."
For us, the striving not just a part of the journey but indeed it is the journey. It doesn't come without sacrifice. It may even involve conflict. But it is done out of commitment to and love for the One we seek to follow. The relentless pursuit of this journey is how we can best show our love for God once we accept Him into our heart. We cannot be perfect in this human form -- of that there is no doubt. As with any journey, though, you keep the destination first in mind at all times. When I am traveling and I refuse to seek direction, I may get lost but I do not forget where I am going. Once I am lost, I break down, ask for directions, and get back on the path. And so it is with my Christian journey ... striving to do as He wants me to do until I am at last with Him in heaven.
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