G.R.I.T.

Off Days

By Jacob:

Thursdays are "off days" for the GRIT Group this year. We can use our freedom for good or for evil. We can use our time off to relax and enjoy what we have been given freely from Christ. I know that we strive so hard to push and push and conform to the image of Christ, but I'm learning to just stop "trying." What I mean is this: Is there a difference in being lazy and relaxation? I think so. It's the mindset with which we enter into things.

For example, God has allowed us to eat everything freely on this earth. However, the God's Word also says we should not cause others to stumble. So we can use our freedom as we should or as we want- it's all a choice. I had a discussion today with a friend about "social dancing" and the "okayness" (permissability, whatever you want to call it) of the dancing itself. It was good because even though we disagreed, I think it pointed out something: What we do in our freedom is not for others to judge but rather for us to each individually ask the question, "Is this wise? Is this the best?" I think in a lot of cases it is the thing we miss. Now I don't do this, but I want to strive for it. "What is best?" "What has God freely given us to enjoy?"

The hardest problem lies when we start trying to live out our convictions in other people's lives who are not under our authority- for example, our children if we have some. We cannot live out anyone else's character for them. We must do discipleship starting with letting Christ conform us to His image first. After that, then we will have a ministry. We don't have to go changing our friends, we can just be Christ and He will change them in His timing, not ours.

That's what I'm doing today- working on my character. Or at least giving up trying to be perfect and just walking with Jesus.

posted by Jacob @ 11:17 AM