We're talking more these days about a discipleship path that will help people in their journey. People use language that can be an indicator of where they are in their discipleship. Jesus himself said that "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." James also talked about the dangers of the tongue and that we (as Christ-followers) should be quicker to listen than to speak.
As a leader, it is a challenge to develop that skill set. Not just knowing what to do with what people say...but being quiet long enough to let them say anything at all. I like to be heard. I like to have the last word. Sometimes, I like the dependence...it's the devilish thing that still needs to be redeemed in me.
It's also a lack of love. It is much more loving and anti-egocentric to let someone else speak while I listen. I'm trying to let the Holy Spirit work on that.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hope for Me
Our Lifegroup began meeting again last night after a two week Easter break. We talked about Acts 1 -- the ascension of Jesus. I told the story last night (we're using storying in our group...ask me about it if you're unfamiliar) and, as a result, I noticed the word Kingdom used twice.
Over the 40 days that Jesus was with them after He rose from the dead the Bible says He talked to them about the Kingdom. Then, the disciples turn right around and ask if Jesus was about to institute the earthly, Israelite kingdom they had all been expecting.
It's easy to sit here 2000 years later (and having read the end of the book) and wonder how those guys missed the point. Jesus spent three years plus 40 days trying to shift their thinking...and obviously He still hadn't broken through.
But for me the point isn't so much the apostles who still didn't get it. The point, and the hope, is that just as Jesus was exceedingly patient with those first followers who were slow to grasp the power and reality of the Kingdom, He will be equally patient with me as a follower today going through those identical struggles.
I don't understand His patience. But I'm grateful for it then and now.
Over the 40 days that Jesus was with them after He rose from the dead the Bible says He talked to them about the Kingdom. Then, the disciples turn right around and ask if Jesus was about to institute the earthly, Israelite kingdom they had all been expecting.
It's easy to sit here 2000 years later (and having read the end of the book) and wonder how those guys missed the point. Jesus spent three years plus 40 days trying to shift their thinking...and obviously He still hadn't broken through.
But for me the point isn't so much the apostles who still didn't get it. The point, and the hope, is that just as Jesus was exceedingly patient with those first followers who were slow to grasp the power and reality of the Kingdom, He will be equally patient with me as a follower today going through those identical struggles.
I don't understand His patience. But I'm grateful for it then and now.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fool's Day
I often wonder how things got started. Today is an example. Who thought of April Fool's Day? Why? When? Etc., etc.
So, of course, I snopes-ed. Perhaps it has something to do with changing to a Gregorian calendar (and you thought they were just into chanting). Or it may have something to do with the Vernal Equinox, which sounds like an undesirable disease to me.
Whatever the origin, we've taken it upon ourselves on days like today to play jokes on those closest to us. So, enjoy your day and watch out for others enjoying theirs.
So, of course, I snopes-ed. Perhaps it has something to do with changing to a Gregorian calendar (and you thought they were just into chanting). Or it may have something to do with the Vernal Equinox, which sounds like an undesirable disease to me.
Whatever the origin, we've taken it upon ourselves on days like today to play jokes on those closest to us. So, enjoy your day and watch out for others enjoying theirs.
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