Several years ago, I read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. An excellent book! There’s a reason why the book is a best seller. It’s broken into forty sections to be read in forty days. Since it’s been a while, I thought I would once again read The Purpose Driven Life and write down my responses to the reading.
Day Twenty-Nine
Point to Ponder: Service is not optional.
Verse: “For we are God’s worksmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Question: What is holding me back from accepting God’s call to serve him?
In today’s reading, Rick Warren talked about how all Christians are in ministry- not just pastors, priests, nuns, etc. I believe that 100%. I was raised to believe that by my parents. My dad is a carpet layer and he always said that was a ministry. What other reason could he have to be on his knees in many homes and businesses. I’ve taken that attitude with me as well.
What holds me back sometimes is risk. My challenge is to not play it safe and that is sometimes difficult for me. I calculate and analyze things to death before I do them. And often God just wants me to do it- take the risk. I recently read “In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson. Here’s a snippet from my review of the book.
I haven’t chased lions like I should. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken risks, albeit calculated ones. I’ve walked through lots of fire in my life, although usually not on purpose.
I’ve accomplished, achieved, failed, learned, sacrificed, and worked hard…but haven’t chased the lion. I know what the lion is, but haven’t gone after it. I’ve made lots of deals with God. Before I chase the lion, I’ll squash a bug. After the bug, I’ll trap a mouse. After the mouse, I’ll take on a warthog. After the warthog, I’ll box a kangaroo. After I knock out the kangaroo, I’ll man-up and go after all wild felines. And if, and only if, I get through those catfights, I’ll consider chasing a lion. Sounds prudent doesn’t it? The only problem is, I see the lion and I’m in that moment of hesitation. You know what I’m talking about? The point where you’re trying to figure out your move. Do you run, climb, hide, stand still, play dead…or chase?
This book challenges me to chase. God’s working on me and this is my challenge.
Filed under: Misc., Purpose Driven Life |