In recent weeks, I felt my physical self acting out the role of busy Martha (Luke 10:38-42).
"As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chose the better part and it will not be taken from her."
If anything, the Lord has shown me that I have wasted much of my time and energy on the strength of my own flesh when I should have focused on the strength of His counsel.
It is no coincidence that thrice this week, I have been reminded by speakers that we use the fact that we are 'only human' to err. It is no longer good enough to be what I have been up to this point, knowing I have a lame excuse like that to fall back on. Enough is enough. I need change. I need to change. In fact, I already have and you will be amazed how much strength and steadfastness the Lord has provided me in recent weeks. I am amazed myself how He works. So I have decided, that I must step up my game to die unto myself. This is a reminder to myself as much as it is to you.
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies,
it produces much fruit."
~ John 12:24
.....and I'm sorry if my changing hurts any of you. No, actually, I lie. I'm not really sorry. In the end, it's what God thinks of me that matters. That is the truth no one wants to hear. They want to think that everyone they know, everything they do and everything they own is what matters.
My epiphany time has come. This revelation also applies to you. Yes, you who are reading this. You've had an inkling and you've watched me change over time. Maybe you're wondering. Maybe you gossip about it. Maybe you think I've become rude, insolent, depressed or suicidal (as the kids say, whatever!) But you know there is no truth in any of that. I'm seeking change because it is absolutely necessary to my maker (and He's YOUR maker too!). There are no two ways about it with God.
Admit it. It's time YOU died unto yourself so that our Lord God may live. Get ready for criticism (from others) and much love from Jesus. The dare is on.
