Shaun Groves
The pastor announced he’d been offered a job elsewhere but had turned it down he told us. He said he was happy in his pulpit, with us.
A few weeks later he was offered less work for more pay at the denomination’s headquarters. He took the job. Said he was “called” to leave.
I was thirteen.
I’ve noticed that ministers are “called”, more often than not, to more: more people, more influence, more power, more money.
Isn’t this where the rest of us feel “called” too?
More sales, more readers, more space, more car, more savings, more followers, more respect, more…
Shoppers walk out into the chill of December, see their breath, hear the Salvation Army bell ring, and drop change into the red kettle. Who doesn’t share with the poor from time to time?
But Jesus became poor?
A businessman on the way to work passes a mother and her boy broken down on the shoulder. He turns around and offers to change their tire. What leader doesn’t get hands dirty and serve from time to time?
But Jesus became a servant leader?
The baby came and, to her surprise, she didn’t want to go back to the office. Her heart wanted to be home, to be mom, and it would be hard financially, and what would her friends think, but… Who hasn’t sacrificed for love from time to time?
But Jesus became sacrifice?
From more to less. Served to service. From honor to degradation. From eternal to time-bound. God to flesh. Heaven to earth.
Is it possible that the descending way of Jesus might be God’s way for me?
I’m thankful for the Josephs who govern from pharaoh’s side for the good of the masses, for the Esthers who influence the influencers and change the trajectory of history.
But where are those people called by God to step down, leave behind, earn less, influence fewer, to follow? Does God only call His Son to downward mobility? Or does God call me downward too and I fail to recognize His voice because it sounds too backward?
Forward or backward. Up or down. More or less. Follow.
Jesus made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! – Philippians 2:7,8
Phil Mehrens says:
Great thoughts, Shaun
Christine says:
Oh. This is truth. Amen, Shaun.
In our society if you aren’t upwardly bound, you’re a failure. Whether the person is actually a failure or not, to be willing to appear as one without excuses or lengthy explanations, takes great humility.
Love this and loved your garden post as well!
Jessica says:
Did we share a pastor?
Amen to this Shaun. Amen.
To be a servant to my children as a SAHM today… now that brings some deep thoughts.
Jessica says:
I hadn’t analyzed it, but I guess we’ve been on the path of downward mobility for more than three years now, since separating from the Air Force. In one week we’re keeping only what we can fit in our durango to move 3000 miles for my husband to study greek and hebrew. We don’t have a job waiting. We were both eager and willing to do it, but it’s proved more of an emotional journey than I expected, even so. Just praying that it all works out.
And I have totally noticed what you say about pastors always moving up. It does happen more often that not.
Mary says:
ouch! Very thought provoking and compels me to reflect.
Jason says:
Right on Shaun!
brad says:
Yep. Amen. What bothers me about the pastor story is not that he took a job that pays better but that he wrapped his decision in a cloak of “spirituality”. What I get from this is that we should be willing to go wherever God would have us. Abasing or abounding, content either way, we need to be open to it. But if we’re making a move based on financial motivations, that can be OK too (if the Lord hasn’t directed you differently), let’s just be honest about it. However, in our brand of Christianity in the west, if it isn’t leading to “more, more, lotsa, lotsa” then we figure it can’t be God because he wants us to “prosper”. Lord, forgive us.
Shaun Groves says:
Abasing or abounding…I like that. Consider it stolen.
NancyTyler says:
I’ve turned down opportunities at work to be a bigger manager in a glass walled office, called crazy for not going for the prestige and bigger salary and for remaining in the same office for so many years and not stepping stoning my way on up. The job I have right now lets me relate to people in my office on a heart to heart level, mentoring and encouraging and loving and being transparent about my faith. Moving up reduces the personal influence and involvement I can have and shifts me to a smaller peer group whose priorities I don’t share.
And on the homefront, I’m not currently serving regularly in any church or parachurch activities. I ask over and over for God to show me where He wants me–thinking it’s leading in some organized ministry somewhere. That’s the way it used to be in my life. But the path keeps going back to serving friends and family and neighbors–senior citizens on down to kids. Individuals. Nothing formal.
Even though where I am right now is prayer-led and strategic and I can see God using it, I find it tough to relate to people at work and Christian friends outside work who look at the surface and define me as underachieving because I don’t have a current list of big career goals or current, official Christian activities to fill my professional or personal resume. In spite of evidence to the contrary, sometimes at vulnerable moments, I believe their assessments of me.
Jennifer says:
We are all called to BE the church to the world. I’d hazard a guess that you are more effective than many upward-bound paid ministers by relating to individuals on a personal level. It isn’t our duty to plant, water and sow necessarily, but to do the parts we can while we have the opportunity. I say well done, keep at it!
NancyTyler says:
Jennifer, you have no idea how much you encouraged me. Thank you. (I think I’d better bookmark this page so I can refer back to your comment from time to time when I start listening to the wrong voices 🙂 )
Laura says:
All that matters is what God thinks of you. I have felt that the world is area of ministry, and that God shows me to whom He wants served. I am not limited by anything but my selfishness or lack of discernment. I could not be comfortable serving only at my church at the designated times and activities, and keep my heart in a box, unavailable for anything else.
Kris says:
Well said. Lord make me willing to live lower.
Zoë says:
I seem to be going in the opposite direction, from not a lot to more than enough. It is very strange. The only thing I really crave more of, though, is God. No, that’s not strictly true. I’d like to make the most of life and feel fulfilled, too.
You have a wonderful way with words. Just enough. I always use too many!
Shaun Groves says:
“I seem to be going in the opposite direction, from not a lot to more than enough.”
Great! God calls us both ways. Like Wesley said – make all you can, give all you can. (American translation.) ; )
Amy says:
This hits home for me. I gave $20 an hour… and was called crazy and foolish… to earn nothing at home with my kids. I felt that strongly that it was where I was supposed to be. It hasn’t been easy, but it surely as worked out. I am amazed I have been here for 7 years. Only by the grace of God. Seems like we are pushed to bigger and better in this society; you’re a failure if you don’t, and there is certainly no encouragement to be less. And still, even though we are 7 years into this journey, we are criticized and ridiculed. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating.
Amy says:
I gave UP, not gave. LOL.
brad says:
We can relate. Good for you for making the sacrifice. Sad that unless your ambition is for money or “stuff” you are looked down upon.
Zoë says:
I’ve been a SAHM for nearly 13 years, for various reasons. I became a member of an organization called Mothers at Home Matter because I was so fed up of the way being a mother is portrayed. You’re ‘neglectful’ if you work, a ‘leech on society’ if you don’t.
If feminism had really been about empowering women, and respecting women, it would have said that being the main carer for your children (i.e. the traditional role of a mother) is more important than any other alternative, especially when they’re little. No wonder our culture (British and American) is so broken, when we value money more than raising our children.
Sorry for the rant – you touched a nerve!
Amy says:
“Leech on society”. YES. That is exactly how I feel.
jen galley says:
This post reminds me of Mary as well. She was “highly favored”. So favored, that Joseph almost decided not to marry her- being pregnant out of wedlock and all. She raised Jesus… and watched as his cross was raised and he was tortured on our behalf. Sometimes favor and sacrifice go hand-in-hand.
Shaun Groves says:
Whoa. Venerated now, but degraded then. Great example, Jen.
Katie Axelson says:
Obedience hurts. And it’s good.
Katie
Laura says:
I have been called off the pedestal for the last 20 yrs. Demoted from a professional musician, to a HS band director, to a MS band director in an upscale community, to music teacher in an urban magnet school, to a general music teacher for children who live in the “projects”. And yes, I am making less money, but God prospers my family and blesses us with the desires of our hearts. He has changed my heart so that my priorities are His priorities.
Shaun Groves says:
Have you ever read Henri Nouwen’s story? Check out In Jesus’ Name – tiny book that partially tells his story of going from lauded department head at an Ivy League school to bathing the mentally retarded in a convalescent home. If you’re even in need of encouragement, wondering about your significance where you are, give it a read. Perfect words for you, Laura.
Amy from Resourceful Mommy says:
As I’m sure you can guess, I’m struggling with this right now. The trajectory of my physical and professional wealth has been on a mind-blowing upward path for the last four years after leaving my job to become a stay at home mom four years prior to that. Now…it all feels useless. But then a wise friend told me just last week that without the influence I’ve worked to build, I wouldn’t have a platform from which I can reach and help many. She has a great point. I *think*. It’s hard to know which direction to move in at this moment, but I keep hearing this verse in my head: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Marian Green says:
I am curious if you have pastored? I know you have done great amounts of ministerial work, and as using this story for an example I am just wondering how much you know of the other side of pastoring. Perhaps you have close friends, family, etc who have? I have a story for you: there were two retired pastors in our church in SD. One had been employed by churches who could afford to pay, had published books which had sold, and saved for retirement. They lived frugally in retirement, gave to others, paid children with quarters for memory verses, andwere strong and vibrant. The other couple had taken jobs that could only pay 300 a year when the annual salary was 3000 USD. They often didn’t have money for medications, were uncomfortable with welfare, thus their pantry was empty. And when he lost his mind and she was unable to afford care for him, he was removed from the home they shared. The last years of their life were spent apart and impoverished—sometimes I would find her crying in the basement at church.
Shame on us for trying to discern the faith of others based on their decisions. Perhaps your pastor had no insurance at his church, pressing medical needs, and saw God providing. Perhaps the decision was selfish, but the Lord had something for him to learn there, too. Our faith isn’t about downward material mobility, it is about upward spiritual intimacy.
Shaun Groves says:
I worked as a minister at a children’s home while in college, then on staff at a church in the Nashville area as a college pastor. Two cousins, an uncle, and a father-in-law are currently ministers. A dozen friends are in full-time ministry. I’ve got nothing against pastors, Marian, and I regret that this post could be taken that way.
That experience as a teenager simply sparked further thought about MY discernment of God’s calling. I did my best to communicate that. Obviously, not perfectly.
Your point is well taken – worth reading. Thanks for taking the time to write it.
I actually did get to know this pastor a bit better as an adult. I stand by what I’ve written because of that. I think he would too.
Marian Green says:
No, I don’t think it can be taken “that way,” I just thought it was food for thought. I started traveling overseas and being exposed to poverty when we first brought my daughter home from ET. It rocked my world. I hated the contrast, the wastefulness, and the shallow goals of life here in America.
I didn’t understand how we could all love the same Jesus and live so differently.
Since that first trip, I have wrestled with the gospels and the standard of living exhibited there and whether or not that same standard is reflected in my own life. After a couple of years and lots of conversations with the hubs, I have made peace that others’ faith will be more inspiring and Christ centered than mine, and that, likewise, others will live in such self-indulgence I will never understand.
But that the Lord provides it all, is what is most astounding to me.
So, as for the pastor-thing, no offense intended and no offense taken. I watch my husband try to merge together the desire he has to serve in any capacity with the God-infused desire he has to provide for his family and sometimes, for someone on the outside looking in, they might not understand his motivation all the time. But God’s always in control. I thought your post was great, and (after a year+) it’s so good to engage in convo back and forth.
Shaun Groves says:
To clarify, Marian…I never said in this post (and hate that I may have implied even) that God ONLY calls us downward, to less. I think I said God can call us either way. So, listen for both calls.
Does that help?
Andy Hay says:
I know I am a long time after the event but what saddens me the most is that the church they attended and the Christians they knew were unable to support an help them. If they had been faithful to God in all they did God would not punish them. We can get caught up with the needs of this world including health care costs and funding pensions and these things are not wrong in themselves as long as they are part of the plan God has for us at that time. We often pray the prayer Jesus taught [hopefully] give us today our daily bread and in the wilderness the Jews were given only Manna for that day, we can get caught up in the ways of the society we live in and look to create our own security not reliance on God. This is not to judge the decisions or the lifestyle of the 2 ministers and their wives as God does not promise us an easy or trouble free life. I am just worried about that poor woman and her husband and what support the church they were part of provided as we can get caught up in the ways of our culture and neglect the teaching in Acts where the apostles appointed men to oversee the well being of the the believers and everything was shared. If someone in my church is hungry do I have any responsibility?
Marian Green says:
I used the word for myself.
Melinda Lancaster says:
“He must increase, I must decrease” comes to mind as I read this post.
For each one of us the “call” will look different. But the moves are basically the same.
He must lead, and we must follow. All else is just a bunch of stepping on God’s toes.
Sometimes I make a horrible dance partner.
Kit says:
This is all a fascinating topic, esp what Marian Green adds to the mix. I struggle with this also, we are about to buy a bigger house for our family of 6, but I hate the idea of being gross about it– we don’t “need” it, but I do want it. Because on the flip side, my husband works in ministry and would be happy to instead downgrade our house even further so that he could be more comfortable with his ministry job that doesn’t pay, instead of stressing to provide for his family. That’s not God’s call either, right? Let’s live in a cardboard box and feel self-righteous about it? Let’s not provide for our family and call it “ministry?” There’s a balance there, and it’s tricky to find, and probably different for everyone which makes it even harder to figure out. I don’t like the “American Dream” and I want to teach better for my children, but it’s not just about what we look like or act like, it has to be a true motive beyond appearances and I’m not sure how to get that right.
Shaun Groves says:
There’s no balance in obedience. There’s just…obedience…the best we can figure out what that is ; )
I’ve never ever suggested anyone live in poverty. Poverty is no better than wealth. I’ve only ever suggested we listen to God, discern where He is calling each of us and then go there. (If it were only so easy as typing it!) And if, over my entire life, I find that I only hear God calling me upward and to more? I may have missed a call or two.
Kit says:
you’re right. There’s “obedience” and there’s “looking like we’re doing the right thing.” And that 2nd one, is blurry depending on perspectives. You can do the “right thing” for the wrong reasons, and I think that is what we’re struggling through. Thanks for letting me think out loud.
Omalay says:
God knows our hearts. He leads us. Our hearts know when we decide to obey Him. Or not. We either move towards Him or away from Him. HE KNOWS. WE KNOW. That’s what matters. What we want the world to see & what the word decides to see is not really what’s important, though it does affect us. Thank you for your post.
Andrea says:
So very challenged by this as we are surrounded (even in the Christian bubble) by constant instructions about leadership with the implication that successful leaders have followers….and more followers. It’s so easy to get excited about influencing more and more “for Christ”. At the same time, my natural bent is to mind my own little corner of the vineyard and resist the push to lead. This could easily become a tail-chasing endeavor but I think your point is to be more aware, think outside the “more” box and listen for God’s voice possibly taking us in the opposite direction. Now to remember this in the days ahead…
Mike McArthur says:
Hi Shaun,
I too have noticed the curious trend for most of us to sense a stronger ‘call’ to bigger, better, more respected roles rather than to the low and obscure. This is sad because those outside the church see it also and it looks like hypocrisy.
It is hard when inflation keeps eroding what income we have, the bills are mounting up, kids are needing more and more, to seriously consider accepting or looking for a lower paid position. For me I think a lot of it comes down to who I really trust – God who will provide enough by His standards or myself who seems to have a more lavish perception of what is ‘enough’?
Thank you for provoking our thinking (and hopefully some corresponding choices) on this!
Tara says:
LOVE.THIS.POST.
Nicole says:
I was just reading Love Walked Among Us by Paul Miller and feeling challenged by similar thoughts. He too tells about Henri Nouwen and the seminary president who left his post to take care of his wife with alzheimer’s.
I’ve been praying for a heart of Jonathan for my son recently…when reading through Samuel, I was struck how he is the real hero in the David story. He recognizes God’s plan and submits to it, even loves it. And loves David, hands him his robe and gladly decreases.
David is certainly a hero, but I’m praying for my boy (and me) to be happy if God gives him a Jonathan life.
Thank you for this great post.
Judy Johannesen says:
This is the perfect example, Nicole – oh that we would choose to be Jonathans.
Heather says:
Excellent. Just excellent.
kathleen says:
as a ridiculously over-educated SAHM, who does full time ministry in an unpaid way I am struck by how often people will ask me, after discussing a speaking engagement or a class taught, “how much did you get paid for that?” or “you ARE getting paid for that, right?” I feel like I have to apologize for serving a small church that needs my gifts but can’t afford to pay for them. Like I am settling somehow, and I hate the feelings of entitlement that stir up in me, joy-robbing stuff.
Niki says:
You have well-articulated what my heart has wondered for a long time.
My husband and I have served on staff at a church for nearly 14 years though difficult times and through disillusioning struggles. Sometimes we have just wanted to run…to plead with God to release us, to move us, call us somewhere else.
The longer we do this ministry thing, the more we are convinced more pastors and congregations are called to mutual commitment. Could it be, when things get tough, that God is calling both leader and laity to deeper relationship with one another? Could it be, even when a seemingly better opportunity comes our way, that God is requiring us to stand firm right where we are?
These are the questions we ask and ponder (hopefully not judgmentally) as we find God keeping us in the same location for the long haul.
Thank you for your challenging and convicting words.
Karen says:
Henri Nouwen’s book-“The Selfless Way of Christ, Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life” speaks eloquently on this subject.
Vickie says:
Interesting . . . in 40+ years of ministry, God called us downward, we obeyed, and he blessed. It is not the norm of our thinking in today’s Christian world, but God is faithful and often asks us to serve, not be served! Good thoughts you shared. Blessings.
Suebob says:
My niece’s husband is a pastor and they have 5 kids. I went to visit and brought nature books for the children. My niece said simply “Oh, wonderful, we can put these in the church library.” She had no thought of keeping them for herself when she could share. I admire her so much.
Christine says:
Oh, and imagine the comments from family when my husband left his tenured teaching job to stay home with our foster children. They needed him more than his students. But our move from nice house in suburb to crappy house on edge of town? None of my family will visit, none have ever complimented him for bringing our children out of the trauma and back to childhood. And yet, we know that is what God wanted from us. This path is so lonely sometimes. Thank you all for post and follow up. We are not alone.
Erica says:
So sad, Christine and yet so inspiring. Let me compliment you and your husband for being willing to love these children sacrificially and to do it without the adultation and praise of those around you. I truly believe that these actions are the ones valued by the heart of God and ones that will be rewarded manifold when you reach heaven. Praying you will remain strong…
Zach Fisher says:
Enjoyed this post immensely. Thank you for the reminder that there is such a thing as riches in heaven.
One thought: perhaps there is more downward mobility going on than we realize. Someone willing to move in that direction would be operating from a place of humility. They may be less inclined to draw attention to their decisions. These sacrifices go unnoticed by the rest of Christendom, but not by Christ (Luke 21:1-4).
Dawn B says:
Dear Shaun,
I am right here, right in the place you are writing about. How did you know? I just left hospital nursing and am coordinating nursing in the churches of the district of my denomination. There is no pay yet and, actually, God is doing the coordination, I am just available and every day is full and surprising and close to Jesus. People ask me all the time when am I going to get a new job. They really don’t know how to respond when I say I do have a job. I guess providing service without pay is not a job, but it really is. I’m working away at it and sometime I may be legitimized by pay, but right now, I am just doing the next thing He gives me to do or MORE IMPORTANTLY being the person He wants me to be. I really get what you’re writing. Thanks, Shaun.
Dawn
Duane Scott says:
He calls us down to these places.
A lump forms in my throat as I write this because I know from experience how difficult it is to lower ourselves until we aren’t noticed.
But there, I have found it: a stream of living water only found when one is on their knees.
And I am thankful today, that you shared this perspective because it makes it a little easier.
Kara F. says:
Wow – I am humbled by this and I only just stumbled upon your blog today. Thank you for your perspective and making me realize what I’ve been holding back needs to have a voice…. keep it up!
holly hillman says:
So grateful for this message and dialogue! Am here because of Ann Voskamp’s recommendation and God (of course), and this blog has provided more pearls of wisdom for an upcoming course “Poverty in the Bible” for the United Methodist Church School of Missions here in California and Nevada. Bless all of you!
Wayne Brooks says:
Yes, it seems we want MORE of everything but Jesus. And you shared very good on how to do that.
Positive Thoughts says:
Shaun,
Thank you so much for this post. God is my all and it took Him taking me through the lost of a great job, my home and car to know what His purpose for my life is. Since 2007, I have been obediently adding positive into the lives of those who find themselves in stressful situations and surroundings. My assignment includes attending to the well fair of premature babies, a cancer patient, and the mentally challenged. I have actually went to job sites and helped those having a hard time finding a job, to find one. God has even instructed others to offer me jobs, only so I can reccommend the job on to someone else. I have stood in free commodity giveway lines only to pass the food on to other hungry souls. God has even used me to find housing for the homeless. In January of this year, through obedience to God, I sacrificed my last $1500.00 to put down on a car, just to be able to drive others, who do not have a car, to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping and necessary business meetings.
In June of last year, I felt the urge to move back to my hometown. It is a small town with basically no resources to anything, especially since the closing of the school system in 2010. Needless to say, God is using me to do great things. Currently, with a lot of hard work, a library for the community has been approved through the proper channels. There are more great things in store as well, through my obedience. The greatest obstacle having to overcome through all of this, however, has been the negative talk from those living in luxury, per to say. But, the greatest accomplishment through all of this, has been the fact it was all and continues to be done without a paid salary from society. Because God has been providing my needs, food, clothing, roof over my head, through obedience, this is how I have come to know my purpose.
Thanks again Shaun for allowing me to share my story with others who understand God’s will!!!
Amy says:
Thanks for putting this together, well said and super convicting. This point laughs in the face of the Christianity I grew up with because God’s blessings were always something warm and fuzzy and well…more. God has crushed me through many hard lessons and has opened my eyes to the fact that downward mobility could *gasp* actually be a blessing!
It makes me think of an A.W. Tozer quote, “The man God will use mightily, He must hurt deeply”.
Stan Peters says:
Now that is thought provoking.
Karen says:
To live with less, but do more with my life while working full-time ministry is my goal! It would mean my currently miniscule paycheck would would be less to non-existenet, But, I would be able to do more for Him!!!
What else could I ask for?!?!
Arcelia says:
What a wonderful post!! I especially like how you ended it…
“Forward or backward. Up or down. More or less. Follow.”
Yes…follow Jesus Christ and obey the voice and conviction of the Holy Spirit not man…keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of faith and run the race marked out before us and do not look left and right and say like Peter…what about that man…Jesus wil respond the same:
Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” John 21:22
Thank you for this succint, thought provoking post…a few Scriptures that came to remembrance as I read are:
Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22
“But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. Matthew 12:7
AND TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE HEART AND WITH ALL THE UNDERSTANDING AND WITH ALL THE STRENGTH, AND TO LOVE ONE’S NEIGHBOR AS HIMSELF, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)
“But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.”
Mark 10:31
Alyson Ferren says:
About 9 months ago, we were “led” to resign from the church we pastored. We has pastored for 20 years, 6 of them here. We had no job to go to, we just knew that for the benefit of our family, he needed to stop down. The way the Lord took care of us in that time was phenomenal. He drew us so close to Him we wondered why He hadn’t led us there before. Anyway, we made decisions during that time. I am a stay at home mom, my son is homeschooled, my daughter is still in public. We decided that we would try to keep their lives as normal as possible, and I would not go back to work. The Lord gave my husband a job at the V.A. His salary is half of what he was making while pastoring. We have adjusted, sacrificed things, learned a new way of doing things. And it is all worth it. Our family is so much healthier, less stressed, my kids got their dad back. I believe that downward mobility is the way to go. It is what God wants for us, to be less dependent on us, and all dependent on Him. Thank you for this post.
Andy Hay says:
The challenge for me in this is am I where I should be, doing what God wants me to, am I using my resources in the way He wants me to be it money, food, my home, the skills and abilities I have and the gifts He has given me?
If I am, am I willing to follow where He would lead me be it continuing as I am or moving, doing what I am doing or something different, be it with all of my life or just a part of it?
If I am genuine in my desire to be a disciple, a servant even then I give up my right to make those decisions, instead it is His will not mine… as Jesus prayed on the cross, and for Jesus that meant pain and suffering and even separation. If He did that then what right do I have to say no when a servant, even a slave has no rights, only to do what the Master says. I know we are also sons of the Living God but then so was Jesus and He held nothing back.
I wonder if part of our problem is that we see what we have as ours, our families, homes, cars, jobs, money, free time, lives… rather than God’s. In the early Church the attitude was to share everything and to help those in need and Godly men were appointed to oversee this including Stephen who was then stoned to death. Is what I have mine or am I just the steward, holding lightly to it so it can be used as the Master says?
We have been fed a diet of God is so good to us and will heal us and give us every good thing that we need and somewhere down the way lost the fact that good things included discipline, for Jesus and many others through the ages it has meant torture and death, good for them? well they got to go to Heaven, is there anything better? We can see our lives down here as something that is all important rather than just a transient moment in time compared to the time we will spend in Heaven. It is such a short time here on earth we need to make the best use of it and if that means pain and suffering to refine us then surely that is for our good.
I pray that I will truly submit to God as my Lord and Master, piece my ear as the image of old when the freed slave chose to continue to serve their master put their head to a door post and a hole was made in their ear by driving a nail or something through it. Painful temporarily and a lasting mark showing that it was not their will they served but the will of their Master. As it says in the prayer Jesus taught, ‘Your will be done… ‘ not mine and if that means I suffer here on earth now then so be it as it will be for my good, if it means I am blessed here on earth so be it as it will be for my good but I should treat each the same and seek to serve God with all I am and all I have in the hopes that on the day of judgement I will hear the Lord say … good and faithful servant.. when I stand before Him… that is my desire.
hope you don’t mind me rambling on like this here, helps me think things through and it was your posting that provoked this so I blame you… lol
May God our father protect you and bless you greatly.
Andy
Mindy says:
When I keep my eyes, my focus, my purpose, on and about Jesus I am content living with less. And when I live with less I have more. It’s when my eyes wander, my focus shifts, my purpose wanes that I seek things – when really all I am really desiring is more of Him.
Abbie says:
I came over from Chatting at the Sky. I’ve been hearing a few of your thoughts while reading Jen Hatmaker recently. Oh my. My life has recently had an unexpected downward turn. Less stuff, less space, less freedom, less options. And even as I’ve grieved the loss of home and friends and respect, I’ve wondered if there isn’t real freedom if that is left behind. And Jesus. There is Jesus.