Friday, June 29, 2012

Today I will express my faith

This week I had the privilege of doing a workshop at the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches National Conference (wow, that's a mouthful!). Their theme was Authentic Church and my workshop was from Galatians 5:1-6:10 and titled, "Called to Freedom". There is plenty in that passage to unpack but the gist really is that we are CALLED (chosen, picked out) to express our FAITH (act out our belief that God is who He says and will do what He says) in LOVE (what is best for the other person, rather than my comfort). At the end of the session I read a piece that I have adapted from a Max Lucado writing entitled, On the Anvil. Several have asked me for a copy and I thought it might be a good idea to post it as a reminder to all of us, a statement of resolve, as we interact with the other "parts" of our "body". I hope it is your personal statement as well as mine.

Today I will express my faith.  I will begin with recognizing my freedom as a way to show love to those God has placed around me.  I do not have to earn God’s favor, in fact, I can’t, but through faith I can express God’s grace to me by serving others.  I refuse to allow the philosophy of “me first” rule my lifestyle. I will not use my freedom selfishly—that will only lead to the destruction of “us”.   

Today I will express my faith. I will be grateful for the opportunities that come my way today—both hard, and comfortable.  Life is too short to chase down everyone else’s philosophy I would rather live by truth.  Each day brings with it new choices to be made—new ways to show others God’s grace.  Making right choices does not come naturally.  It is a conscious effort.  If I do not pay attention wrong choices will have domain.  I will be an active participant in my own life—paying attention to what I am thinking, feeling, seeing, and hearing, …and interacting with it all.

Today I will walk humbly and responsibly.  There will be some I will need to help and others whose help I will need to receive.  I will be a part of the body—willingly helping, restoring and caring in tangible ways.  Today I will show love by listening, touching, serving, affirming, giving or just being.  I choose to live knowing God is watching and that my actions and deeds will produce fruit that is God’s.

I will do good despite hardships, despite a lack of visible results.  Life does not always produce results as quickly as we would like.  There will be some who will not accept or understand my good will but I will persevere for it is God who will reward me.  This body is not mine.  It is made up of His people.  I am only a part, but I can make a difference as I follow His leading.
Today I will express my faith.  Today I will live free. Today I will love.

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