I really don't like change. I'm terrified of it. I prefer things to stay just the way they are - safe, comfortable, and painless.
This past weekend, God showed me just how flawed my thinking was. Jesus doesn't call us to a "safe life." He wants us to leave everything and follow Him with joy. "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33)
Giving up everything requires change. This change is different for everybody. For me, it meant giving up my time, money, and stuff. So, I started a volunteer application for the Toronto City Mission. While at University, I hope to be helping out in the community and caring for people's needs. I want to love people - not just by saying I do, but by showing it.
I'm going to be giving away my spending money to Pakistan aid organizations. Instead of going to see a movie or buying a new shirt, I want my money to show that I care about others more than myself.
The final realization was all the "stuff" in my room. I realized I didn't need all of it...my clothes, books, jewellery... So before school starts in September, I'm going to detox my room and give away what I don't need to the people who do need it.
In Luke 19, Zaccheus goes through a major change when he meets Jesus. The Bible says he was "a chief tax collector and was wealthy." (Luke 19:2) But, after meeting the Lord, he makes a dramatic decision. "Look, Lord! here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." (Luke 19:8)
Zaccheus was so in awe of the Lord that he decided to give away what he had to help those who were worse off than him. He realized that nothing else in this world matters as much as Jesus does. He wanted to show how much he trusted Jesus by giving away what he had and following Him whole heartedly. I long for that kind of dependance on Jesus. My "changes" are so trivial compared to what Zaccheus did. But, they're a step. And who knows what God has in store for me next?
Change, although scary, can be good. God uses change to make us into better disciples and to spread the gospel into the world. What is God asking you to change in your life?
ps. to see where I had gotten my change of heart, watch Francis Chan's sermon "Lukewarm and Lovin it" here.
12 comments:
Hi Claudia, This is a thought-provoking post. Change is good, but it is so hard. Sometimes we need to step out in faith. Other times, the Spirit prompts us to stay put but conduct ourselves in a different way. May God bless you as you share your resources, time and talents with others.
Sometimes I like to think of simplifying my life as spending less time on things that don't matter so I can spend more time on things that do. I am always blessed by visits to your blog and enjoy peeking into your sweet heart. Hope college is going well for you.
You have a heart for the Lord. I have to agree that I too don't do well with change. But you're so right. Jesus calls us to a life that is often changing and uncertain. That's also how we learn to trust Him and walk by faith.
This was an incredibly inspiring post and I am grateful that you wrote it. IChange is something that I have learned to be grateful for because it assures me that God is at work in my life. How quickly I trust Him is still something I need to improve!
Claudia..God bless your heart. You bring a smile on our Father's face :)
God Bless You :) You should be very proud of yourself because of the changes you are making for the Lord in your life! Your blog has inspired me to change some things in my life. Thank you!
Claudia, hi, it's nice to meeet you. What a wonderful post of showing God's gentle nudge toward change. Change is hard for us all,(I was a military wife for 20 years, so I know change) but I like to look at it as an adventure. Life would be so boring if we didn't change things up a bit, this gives God opportunity to show us new things and time for growth.
Great post!
Change is good! Good way to spend your money!
http://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com
Hi Claudia,
God bless you for giving up your time and money! It is wonderful to find practical ways to serve God. How can we call ourselves Christians if we never sacrifice for others? Because that's exactly what Jesus did.
Thank you for being a good example!
This is my first visit to your blog, and I'm your newest follower. Have a great day!
God bless,
Renee
www.aglimpseofbeautiful.com
A very powerful post - thank you!
God bless your efforts for others, you have a precious heart.
Claudia, what a beautiful TT post, giving things up and change...the one thing that seems so hard but yet life changing. May I learn to be more obedient to His calling. -Blessings!
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