If we know the Bible and are conscientious of our actions, our tendencies to know our wrongs are much greater. If I try to "control" my life, I have a sense of anxiety from knowing my control is not part of God's plan. I know, for example, that totaling my car was "likely inevitable" based on my attitude that "I" can play catch up and the lesson isn't merely "Don't go fast, and watch out for curves and slippery spots," but rather, what choices will I make now when I have less? What will I change in my life to keep me from rushing at the last minute? What will I do now with an attitude pleasing to God to handle my circumstances? When we are willing to listen, we handle problems with a positive attitude. We are receptive and do not shut God out. When I shut God out I become cold to others and selfish. When I have a positive attitude and look to the Bible for wisdom and pray, I am open to correction and more selfless in my motivations and actions.
A second lesson I encountered from totaling my car was that maybe God isn't only speaking to me through the accident. Maybe, God was trying to show my parents that had I gone on the mission trip I wanted to go on, I would have had the entire expense paid for plus some with the money they used to buy me a new car. When we are in God's will he will take care of us. Some of God's lessons aren't cheap... but sometimes its the only way he can get our attention. With money.
Over the course of my time here in PA, I feel like I've learned a lot about living as a mature and humble servant to Christ. Sometimes exposure to the real world makes us more aware of how much we really need God. I like to think about it this way... if your actions change depending on who you are with- church, family or friends, how are you being true to yourself? How are you representing Christ as a living example today? What is the root of your shame and has correction or acceptance made your condition "ok?" Those living without shame are either ignoring God's calling to become Christlike, or have humbled themselves before God and know that being humbled by the spirit has taken away their shame. The pursuit of Christ's rather than man's ultimate desire for us will pave the path in life and make our steps light footed. By this I mean easier to handle. Not all that witness the work of God in us will be accepting, but when love for one another rather than selfish pursuits is the focus, life works out as God intends.
So live your life by "what would Jesus do?" When we are too conscientious of our actions, we dwell on the thought of making a mistake. Obsession is also a sin and yields little. When we live for Jesus, we know that trouble will come our way because we believe that Satan will pursue the humble and poor in spirit. We also know that the humble and poor in spirit will appear less afflicted because their "dependency on the world" is lesser. When Jesus becomes our daily bread rather than our actions, desires, and looks, we are less distracted by "the world."
God doesn't speak through literal words, often it is the sermon I am drawn to attend, or the praise and worship that ministers to my spiritual needs. Through being obedient to attend I learn WHY I was brought to this place of worship and what God has in store for me. Maybe I take teaching more literally than others, but I prefer being taught by Jesus, the perfect teacher, than dwelling on my own attempts that fail me and lead me to stumble.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths.
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