What difference is this going to make in my everyday life?
That's the question I reflect on as I complete any Bible study I've been a part of. It's easy to reach the end of a Bible study and already be looking ahead to the next one we can add to our list of all the ones we've completed. An ever-growing list, an increasing pile of workbooks, an impressive amount of knowledge gained - these things can easily become our goal, even if we don't intentionally make it one.
But, if that's all it becomes, I believe we've missed the point of Bible study in the first place. It's not about all we can accomplish. It's not about gaining more head knowledge. It's not about how smart we can sound in future conversations about that topic or portion of Scripture.
The point of all our Bible study, all our work, all our learning needs to be our relationship with God. it's about allowing God to transform us to be more and more in the image of Christ. The facts we learn, the knowledge we gain is good, but it can't be our focus.
One of the ways I've found helpful in making sure I don't miss the point of the Bible studies I do is to take some time as I finish to reflect on the question: What difference is this going to make in my everyday life?
By asking this question, I slow down and look for the one or two things from the study I'm finishing that affect my life now. It might be a new understanding that changes how I live. It might be a new spiritual discipline I want to incorporate into my life. It might be a challenge to make a change in something in my life.
Whatever it is, by drawing out those one or two things, I keep myself from just checking another study off on a list. Instead, I make it about a growing and deepening relationship with God.
Can I challenge you to have a way of being intentional about paying attention to things so they can make a difference in your life rather than just being something you check off on a list?
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Reminders of Why we Need Community
In the last few weeks, I've had a few reminders of the value of community. The value of the community I've built around me. Of our need for a community where we can turn when things are hard and who are there to celebrate the good in life too.
So many examples of why we need community . . .
. . . After a challenging ministry weekend, I had people to talk to when I was struggling with something that came up for me out of it.
. . . When I'd had a long and challenging week, I had people who stopped to listen and pray for me right there.
. . . When we all needed a good laugh, I had people where we could really laugh together.
. . . When I needed an outside perspective on some things, I had someone who I trusted to offer it.
. . . When silence and a being with others with no expectations was needed, I had a few people to spend that time with for a weekend.
As I look back on these times, and so many more I could list, I'm grateful for these people in my life. I can't imagine what my life would be like without them. I know I wouldn't be writing this.
I know that I write often about our need for one another. I think in our individualistic society, it's a reminder we constantly need. As much as I know from these and other experiences how much it's needed, I still need the reminder regularly.
God created us to need each other - in the good times and the hard times. No matter how hard we try, we'll never be able to change that truth.
So many examples of why we need community . . .
. . . After a challenging ministry weekend, I had people to talk to when I was struggling with something that came up for me out of it.
. . . When I'd had a long and challenging week, I had people who stopped to listen and pray for me right there.
. . . When we all needed a good laugh, I had people where we could really laugh together.
. . . When I needed an outside perspective on some things, I had someone who I trusted to offer it.
. . . When silence and a being with others with no expectations was needed, I had a few people to spend that time with for a weekend.
As I look back on these times, and so many more I could list, I'm grateful for these people in my life. I can't imagine what my life would be like without them. I know I wouldn't be writing this.
I know that I write often about our need for one another. I think in our individualistic society, it's a reminder we constantly need. As much as I know from these and other experiences how much it's needed, I still need the reminder regularly.
God created us to need each other - in the good times and the hard times. No matter how hard we try, we'll never be able to change that truth.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
We Need Silence - Even if it Scares Us
Silence.
It's something we talk about wanting more of in our lives. It often seems elusive.
Yet, in the moments when we do find it, we don't know what to do. We experience it so rarely that we're almost afraid when it happens.
Especially in our world of constant connection, it can be difficult to find silence. Our phones continually reminding us of every email, every text, right as they arrive. Drawing us away from the moment and out of any chance of silence for any time.
Why do we live with this struggle?
Why do we crave silence and run from it at the same time?
We crave silence because we were made to need it. We weren't made to be in constant contact. We need the true rest that can only come from silence.
But, those are the times when we come face-to-face with things we may not like about ourselves, our relationships, or our lives. As long as we keep moving and keep busy, we don't have to face those things. But, as soon as it slows down, we all of a sudden have to look at those things. We can no longer avoid them.
We need to learn to embrace the times of silence in our lives. Even to become intentional about creating that space, rather than running from it.
It will be hard and uncomfortable at first. We may want to be anywhere else, do anything else. But, if we'll stick with it, it will be worth it. We can get to the point of embracing silence, of regularly creating it. And our lives will be better for it.
It's something we talk about wanting more of in our lives. It often seems elusive.
Yet, in the moments when we do find it, we don't know what to do. We experience it so rarely that we're almost afraid when it happens.
Especially in our world of constant connection, it can be difficult to find silence. Our phones continually reminding us of every email, every text, right as they arrive. Drawing us away from the moment and out of any chance of silence for any time.
Why do we live with this struggle?
Why do we crave silence and run from it at the same time?
We crave silence because we were made to need it. We weren't made to be in constant contact. We need the true rest that can only come from silence.
But, those are the times when we come face-to-face with things we may not like about ourselves, our relationships, or our lives. As long as we keep moving and keep busy, we don't have to face those things. But, as soon as it slows down, we all of a sudden have to look at those things. We can no longer avoid them.
We need to learn to embrace the times of silence in our lives. Even to become intentional about creating that space, rather than running from it.
It will be hard and uncomfortable at first. We may want to be anywhere else, do anything else. But, if we'll stick with it, it will be worth it. We can get to the point of embracing silence, of regularly creating it. And our lives will be better for it.
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