Our society cultivates that desire within me. Catalogs and magazines show me the new colors to paint my walls, new clothes to buy, new places to travel, etc. What you have is never enough, so work hard to get more.
There is a problem here. I’m not supposed to want more. I
love Jesus and know the scriptures. I know that material things will never
satisfy. I know that I need to “seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness and everything else falls into place.”
So to not appear materialistic, I work on being healthier by
exercising, gardening, and cooking healthy foods. I read. I research new time
management skills because my old ones are outdated and my life still feels
chaotic. I simplify my household and get more organized - iPhone, iPad, gadgets
to help me organize my life that is crammed full of things.
When I want more of Jesus, I just “apply” the world’s remedy
in that area. More of Jesus means more “spiritual things” like reading the
Bible more, praying more, serving more, giving more, more self-sacrificing, more
hours at church, etc.
After years of dealing with an eating disorder I refused to
go to a Christian counselor, because I felt they would tell me, “You just need
to trust Jesus more.” But I had tried the “more Jesus” route and was left
feeling defeated, tired and worthless. No matter how many “Jesus” activities I
did nothing brought me joy or peace.
Where is the abundant life that Jesus talked about? Does it
really exist? How do you find it?
Jesus said in Matthew 11.28-30 28-30"Are you
tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and
you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me
and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I
won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll
learn to live freely and lightly."I want to live this way.
I want my kids to learn live this way.
I want to "keep company" with Jesus and live freely.
Receive Jesus' blessing today.
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