Last night in Worldview class, our professor/friend, David Knopp took us on a journey through scripture, trying to show us how the main goal of Christians should be literal Christ-likeness. At least, that's what I got out of it.
One of the passages we jumped into was the infamous "Love Chapter" in 1st Corinthians, chapter 13. While reading about what love is, I got to thinking about what I want to be known as. Do I want to be known as a man who was irritable or patient? Kind or cruel? Faithless or faithful?
And I've decided to write down and publish What I Want To Be Known For.
A good place to start is in 1st Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 4, where the apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth: Love is patient.
I want to be known as a patient person. Specifically, I want to be known as patient in three areas:
1. My Desires
Every day when I get up, people around here are already lined up for our one shower (right now we're in the middle of a remodel). I want to be the kind of person who puts aside what I want, which is a hot shower RIGHT NOW, and instead is patient, putting the desires of my family above my own. So first, I want to be patient in my desires. I want to be able to delay or even totally put aside what I want, and be able to watch the things I value take second place to the desires and needs and wants of others around me. I want to love others by being patient with my desires.
2. My Time
Right now in my life, I'd like to be anywhere but right where I am. More times than I'd like to admit, I find myself daydreaming about what my life is going to be like when I'm all grown up and big and successful. Instead of always focusing on the future, I need to be patient and realize that I am in this particular season of life for a very specific purpose. In fact, the purpose I'm where I am could be to teach me patience. So, I want to be patient with where I am in life.
3. My Relationships
My 12 year old brother is going through Junior high. It's really, really hard to love him because of the things he says and does in order to get my attention. But rather than irritably push him aside, I need to be patient with my relationships, and invest into my brother and those around me. Even if I don't get an immediate return, I know that to truly show love to those around me, I need to be patient enough to listen and actually care and engage in their lives. So, I want to be patient in my relationships with those around me.
Now, this whole What I Want To Be Known For isn't going to be easy. As I always say, doing the right thing rarely is easy. But it's right. And there comes a time when we must do what is neither easy or popular or politic, but we must do it because our conscience tells us it is right. That was Marin Luther King Jr saying that, not me. And he's right.
As I work on patience this week I will remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
That was really good Ted! Very encouraging. I want to be known for those 3 things too (doesn't mean I am) but like you pointed out at the end of your post, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". We must look to Christ! :)
ReplyDelete-Destiny
Hi Ted,
ReplyDeleteSo...I discovered your blog, and since I don't want to be a "ghost visitor", I thought I'd comment. :)
What an encouraging post. It's true, and it's hard. Especially when we set a goal and try to reach it on our own and then when we don't, we get depressed or discouraged, instead of turning it over to God from the start. I remember an assignment I had once to read 1st Cor. 13 4-8 with my name in place of "love". That was an eye-opener. :) However, it put our goal of Christ-likeness into perspective. Also, good points on #1. How important it is indeed to put first and even seek out the desires of our family! And if we do, our family works together as closer unit because of it, which in turn, is a joy! (The other points were good too, it's just that if I wrote about them this would be a commentary, not a comment.)
Have a great evening ~ Kathrina
P.S. I really liked the motto on justice you said in class today (even if it didn't apply ;)).