deeper relationship with jesus
Our minds are filled with the thoughts of our own choosing. Philippians 4:8 directs us to sharpen our focus on the target of our mind. The Greek words used in this passage shows that this call for right thinking is tied to the peace of God mentioned in the verse 7. We still have a will, and we still must choose moral excellence; however, the peace of God will help fuel right thinking.
So, we ask, “what is the point?” How does heeding repeated warnings against false teachers, embracing God’s righteousness for justification, and rejecting my own righteousness as sufficient impact me today? This is an important question! Here are 4 outcomes of rejecting my own righteousness as good enough and choosing to follow God:
What keeps you motivated? Is it peer-to-peer comparison or financial gain? Is it recognition or praise? Is it fear or embarrassment? Our motivations often vary depending on the task at hand. Let me ask a more pointed question: what keeps your walk with Jesus motivated? You will find that the answer to this question is not accidental or happenstance, but it is more so, purposeful.
What does hardship or suffering drive you to? Self-pity? Bitterness? Anger? Retreat? Suffering only reveals the depth of relationship we have already nurtured with the Lord. We must pursue greater relationship with Jesus in good times to be sustained during hard times. What are the non-negotiables for this deeper sustaining relationship?
Look at the hurt and heavy baggage we carry when we insist to pursue a way God never intended for us to carry! Now look at the loving embrace and grace of our heavenly Father ready to receive us in a loving relationship with Him when we return (Ps. 86:5, 15; Lam. 3:22-23; I Jn. 1:9). Oh believer, embrace the amazing role GOD gave you!
So, instead of making sure everyone knows your side of the story first, choose to follow how God wants you to handle the division. Division is a spiritual need! Spiritual needs cannot be fulfilled with fleshly means. So, anger, yelling, gossip, bitterness, and slander are not the pathway to resolve spiritual needs. These things only complicate the issue further!
Our relationship with Jesus can sometimes have a stronger base on the foundation of emotions than on the foundation of truth. When we build on the foundation of emotion in place of truth, we will wonder why we struggle with a strong relationship with Jesus and why we struggle with good decision-making skills.
