Friday, June 15, 2007

Passages

These here are some passages I made the effort to find when I was on Beach Mission over the summer. We were asked to say our favourite Bible passages, but to be honest... I have none. So I went to try and find things that I really connected with.

Galations 1:10: Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Well. This is one of my struggles. Although I'm usually in disagreement with people and willing to argue and share points of view, I also am careful not to step on people's toes and not offend people. However, if there are problems at church or outside, sometimes I won't voice them, even if I really believe that's what God would want, because I fear the consequences of my voice and the feelings of the people I confront. Courage is what I need to use. I've known this is a factor of my personality for a while, and have been more concious when I am faced with these positions. Last night at training for an event, some of the leaders were making an absolute mockery of serious issues like kidnapping, murder and rape. This time I didn't sit back and let it happen, and I said something. And it went well I think. I believe that may have been the right thing to do.
Romans 1:16 - I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

For much of my life, I was afraid to admit I was a Christian, and would NEVER, under any circumstance outside church, talk about it. Slowly over the years, I've changed as a person, because now I'm happy to openly talk about what I believe, and to share in others' beliefs too. I had a dark part of my life in which I did bad things, and also didn't really want people to know what I believed (because I didn't know if I wanted to believe it either), and I know it is not right for me to hide myself like that. So now, more than before, I am not ashamed.
1 Timothy 4:12 - Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Like the first passage, I am sometimes not willing to challenge people, especially those older than me and more 'experienced' Christians. Well, this passage is encouragement to not back down from doing just that, if it is warranted, as well as a reminder that though I am young, it does not mean I cannot be an example for all those around me.
Ephesians 4:1 (thank you Digger) - As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you received.

I am blessed, lucky, fortunate to be where I am with all I have. I would feel as if I had wasted my life if I did not try to share these with those living without. That includes every part of me - possessions, money, talents, life, beliefs. I believe I have these things for a reason.
Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

I think a reason why I sometimes fade in and out of inspiration, faithwise as well, is because I am not always trying to explore and question and struggle with ideas. It's much easier to sit back and accept. But nowhere near as fulfilling. So if I truely want to believe, I have to make the effort to search myself and to try to understand as best I can. I can't expect to have things come to me or have greater understanding or belief in God come just from waiting for it to happen.

And these are just some of the parts of the Bible - with many more I am yet to read - that I feel connected with.

8 comments:

  1. I think the first one is something that everyone's going to struggle with to some degree, and it's so exciting that your recognising it and confronting it. I never realised you struggled with this. To me, you've always seemed very sure of yourself and confident in what you say. I very much look up to you for this, because I very rarely say what I think should be said.

    The next two are also challenging/encouraging ones for me, too. Sometimes you just want some kind of excuse not to step out. (I'm too young, or inexperienced... it's not my place etc.) But the thing is there'll always be an excuse and I love passaged like this because they show you that you need to live the best way you know how and let everything else take care of itself.

    The last two are once I've been very challenged with at YITS.. totally unsure what they mean to me at the moment and it makes me angry that the last one gets taken so out of context.
    I love that you look at it as a challenge, when some christians see it as a cue to ask for whatever they want and assume it will happen (ie. prosperity doctrine)

    Thanks heaps for your challenges/encouragements... it has made me think!

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  2. Yes the first one is something most will struggle with. It's a struggle of both Christians and non-Christians - trying to please others more than you need to. I may appear sure and confident, and I mostly am. But it's "considered confidence" I guess. Events in my life and Vetamorphus helped me to become more confident to challenge and speak out.

    Yes I got tired of running and excuses a few years ago, and it made me more willing to do things, say things, get active.

    I can see how the last one could be taken as reassurance rather a challenge. But I don't think the Bible means to just promise us things like that, it takes effort from us as well in order to receive. And you need to give for the sake of giving, not for the sake of receiving. Plus, since I've started putting more effort in, and giving more, I've enjoyed and felt far happier in my faith than ever before. So it's a winner.

    Thanks for your comments.

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  3. it is amazing how each of these, can relate to everyone somehow. your choice of favourite passages made me smile, because as they are encouraging, they are challenging also. challenging your beliefs, and your willpower to stand up for what you believe in.
    This one i really liked.
    1 Timothy 4:12 - Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
    Although i have read.. close to nothing in the bible, this inspires me to do so. It would be interesting to see the other profound things there are in there. Although, i feel as though as there are encouraging and uplifting quotes and passages in the bible, some i have read i struggle with. To comprehend, to understand, or simply to relate it to my life and myself in some ways.
    Im glad the passages you enjoy and seek to discover, are ones i can too. As all of those made me think about myself, and what i have to offer the people around me. I hope i am strong enough to stand for what i believe in.

    i think its awesome your more comfortable talking about what you believe in. You should never be scared of speaking your mind, beliefs and opinions. And if the people around you judge you on this, or shy away, they are not needed in your life. Im also glad your tough time, although sometimes not completely over, is over the worst part. I am glad to see you happy. :]
    Peace. love. jazz.
    xx
    sorry its so long?

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  4. I'm glad that you can find relation to these passages too. After all.. they were not solely written for one type of person, they are for everyone.

    It may or may not be a surprise, but I haven't done that much Bible reading either. I barely open mine, and I sometimes feel bad about this. I also struggle with many parts of the Bible, but I love to struggle with them, and question them, and talk about them to people. So if you have some, talk to me about them. I'll have more to throw back at you haha.

    But yes, the Bible does contain many profound and thought-inspiring things. Plus, some things take on different meanings to you the second, third, fourth, numerous times you read them. It's crazy that way.

    I'm also glad you can share in what I believe. It's what makes it so great for me so often.

    I want to be courageous and strong in what I believe always. I hope you can be too. If people judge me on this, good. I like to be challenged, and it will be a further challenge to be strong in the face of adversity. I don't want to be comfortable. You can be strong too.

    Peace Love Jazz. Thanks for you comment, appreciated mannnn.

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  5. I feel bad coming on and leaving a short comment on this post, but I don't really have anything further to say. It is fantastic that you are unpacking the bible more, and finding the bits you like in it. I encourage you to continue doing this. But also, don;t forget to look at the bits of the bible that you don't like. Being a Christian is not about living easy, and finding the bits oyu like, I think you know this. Anyway, I am just reminding you. Finish input.
    Cheers.
    Jono

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  6. I won't forget Jono. After all, I did mention that I love to struggle and wrestle with the Bible too. Both figuratively and physically. Like, we get in the ring in tights and stuff, and I give it the old elbow drop...

    BLASPHEMOUS!

    I also said, yes, I do know it's not easy. But battling the non-easyness has made it so much better for me. Danke schoen.

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  7. We read the Galatians one in Veta. I liiiiike it.

    In fact, I like them all.

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  8. I also like them all. I also gotta catch em all.

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