Much of the Book of Hebrews offers an explanation of how the old covenant of God differs from the new covenant. In chapter 8 we read that Jesus, "has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises." (v. 6) In the Old Testament, there was an old way of doing things, then Jesus arrived, offering the new and better Way of life and living.
It is wise to be open to times of change. When we remain stuck in old habits, refusing to budge from our attitudes and ideas without considering different viewpoints, we are in danger of becoming less happy, rather than more so. Stubbornness merely for the sake of being stubborn is a very limiting way to live.
For example, we don't have to look far to see where obstinance has gotten our country. By refusing to work together, elected officials are not leading us, they are dividing us, breeding discontent, mistrust and a more resilient strain of stubbornness than ever seen before. Sadly, we can see that dogged determination to hold the line against change in many institutions and organizations, perhaps churches most of all.
What is the antidote? I can think of several things: a willingness to listen to others and compromise on issues where our core principles are not being violated; an openness which admits we might not agree on every issue, but we can still peacefully co-exist; and acknowledging that some ways of thinking and doing things are becoming obsolete, and it is time to let those things go and move forward. Going back to the Book of Hebrews, 8:13 says, "When He said, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."
It is important for all of us to examine our opinions from time to time and think about how things could be better if we would let go of worn-out ideas. Under careful consideration, things which previously seemed significant might fade away into obscurity. It is a good path to take to discover new ways of working together. By doing so, positive change can happen.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Arise, shine...
Occasionally, I wake up knowing the day ahead will be filled with tasks which are mundane but necessary to fulfill work obligations, and my usual enthusiasm suffers. One morning earlier this week was like that. On those days, my mind wanders to grand and important things. Then, I remind myself each of us doing our individual jobs, whatever that work might be, is vital in the larger picture of life, and I get out of bed ready to tackle the day with glad anticipation to see what will be accomplished. (That last statement may be a little heavy on the eagerness and exhilaration, but mostly it's accurate.)
Oswald Chambers, in "My Utmost for His Highest," is quoted as saying, "When it comes to taking the initiative against drudgery...there is no point in waiting for God to help us -- He will not. But once we arise, immediately we find He is there. Whenever God gives us His inspiration, suddenly taking the initiative becomes a moral issue -- a matter of obedience. Then we must act to be obedient and not continue to lie down doing nothing. If we will arise and shine, drudgery will be divinely transformed.
"Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character. Drudgery is work that is far removed from anything that we think of as ideal work. It is the utterly hard, menial, tiresome, and dirty work. And when we experience it, our spirituality is instantly tested and we will know whether or not we are spiritually genuine. Read John 13. In this chapter, we see the Incarnate God performing the greatest example of drudgery -- washing fishermen's feet. He then says to them, 'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet' (John 13:14). The inspiration of God is required if drudgery is to shine with the light of God upon it. In some cases the way a person does a task makes that work sanctified and holy forever. It may be a very common everyday task, but after we have seen it done, it becomes different. When the Lord does something through us, He always transforms it."
Oswald said it best, but I will add: When we go about our work, doing it to honor the teachings of Jesus, unexpected good things happen. As Isaiah 60:1 says, it is time to, "Arise, shine..."
Oswald Chambers, in "My Utmost for His Highest," is quoted as saying, "When it comes to taking the initiative against drudgery...there is no point in waiting for God to help us -- He will not. But once we arise, immediately we find He is there. Whenever God gives us His inspiration, suddenly taking the initiative becomes a moral issue -- a matter of obedience. Then we must act to be obedient and not continue to lie down doing nothing. If we will arise and shine, drudgery will be divinely transformed.
"Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character. Drudgery is work that is far removed from anything that we think of as ideal work. It is the utterly hard, menial, tiresome, and dirty work. And when we experience it, our spirituality is instantly tested and we will know whether or not we are spiritually genuine. Read John 13. In this chapter, we see the Incarnate God performing the greatest example of drudgery -- washing fishermen's feet. He then says to them, 'If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet' (John 13:14). The inspiration of God is required if drudgery is to shine with the light of God upon it. In some cases the way a person does a task makes that work sanctified and holy forever. It may be a very common everyday task, but after we have seen it done, it becomes different. When the Lord does something through us, He always transforms it."
Oswald said it best, but I will add: When we go about our work, doing it to honor the teachings of Jesus, unexpected good things happen. As Isaiah 60:1 says, it is time to, "Arise, shine..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)