Sunday in church I talked about a revolution. Having the word church and revolution in the same sentence seems somewhat radical, but that’s the intent. I believe many people are becoming restless with the same things, day in and day out. There’s a call for change, but we’re not quite sure of what that change needs to be, nor how to make it happen. Lacking clarity is an understatement!
Overscheduled calendars, controlled chaos, mega-multitasking, and running around exhausted are all marks of the current societal norms. Life speeds up, and we speed up to stay in the running. Life speeds up again, and so we succumb to the chase. It’s a perpetual cycle. Where does all this leave us? In order to cope, our soul disconnects from the daily motions, and we become unfulfilled, empty, numb, and disconnected from God.
It is so important for us to see and understand we need a radically different way of living. From a Biblical perspective, Apostle Paul shares a great message with the Romans. In the book of Romans, chapter 13, verses 11-14, he gives guidance on how to live our lives to glorify God.
Romans 13:11-14 RSV
“An Urgent Appeal”
11 Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; 12 the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
This Bible passage really is telling us to wake up! When we slow down our pace, we start to awaken our spiritual selves, and notice the blessings God has given us. We start understanding our purpose here is not to win the race, but instead, to love one another as God has loved us. God is asking us to live in ways that glorify His name, not defile Him. So, I challenge you to slow down. I challenge you to take time each day to reflect on how you shared God’s love with someone else. When you start sharing His love, it will also multiply within you. You will become more fulfilled, content, and connected.
A few questions for reflection…
- Who are people in your life whom you believe are blessings? How can you show them you love them?
- Describe in your own words what it means to you to spiritually wake up.
- When is the last time you sat in peace, and prayed and set intentions to make someone’s day better? Make a plan right now to do it this week!
Growing word by word,
Jackie
Yesterday when I was praying I got action plans. I made notes at the time of who to encourage afterwards.
For someone who has been having a rough week, this is something that I have definitely needed. Thank you for this article, Jackie