Today’s scripture: James 1:12, Luke 9:61-63 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Theresa Benson):
What do the three things in my title have in common and why would I write about them under the topic of “encouragement”? As we look to make positive changes in our life, I believe we must acknowledge our humanity or face sore disappointment and discouragement.
The New Year brings an opportunity to make resolutions on how we will behave differently, whether it be exercising more, losing weight, keeping our offices organized, paying off credit cards, traveling more, quitting smoking, etc. Regardless of which choice we make, it will bring change to our life and the lives of those we love. And even the most positive changes can bring about feelings of loss, withdrawal, grief and a longing for life before.
But throughout the Bible, we see the theme — if you can persevere through the trials, disruptions, and changes your new positive choices bring about, there is sure joy to be had.
Take, for example, the goal of paying off credit cards — it’s a positive goal, right? Nothing like, say, quitting smoking. Quitting smoking involves giving something up. This is about financial freedom, and having more money rather than giving it all to the credit card companies in interest payments!
Still, there is stress. It’s so easy to whip out the charge card! What if, instead, we had to buy something only when we have the money to do so? Imagine if we really buckled down and cut off all non-essential spending until the credit cards were paid off. No cable TV, no new video games, no buying anything new from iTunes or Amazon.com, using a library card instead of going to Barnes & Noble to pick up a book. . . It can start to feel pretty discouraging, like we’re being punished for doing the right thing.
What these readings tell us is — don’t give up hope! If we can persevere despite the feelings of withdrawal and grief these changes bring about, there is certain joy in the end. Even Jesus cautions us that if we decide to take on the task of changing our life for the better, there can’t be any strings attached. We mustn’t look back. The moment we begin to look back, or engage in reminiscing about how easy life was the old way, we put ourselves at risk for returning to that way of life. It’s like Lot’s wife, who, as they were escaping the destruction of Sodom, turned to look back. Mentally, she was stuck in the old ways, was grieving it already, and upon turning back, got stuck literally — as a pillar of salt.
Whether our resolutions are daily, such as choosing to live as Christians in this world, loving and serving our neighbors, or those we make in a fit of exuberance at the beginning of a new year, we must remember our humanity and plan for our success by acknowledging our propensity to miss our old ways, no matter how unhealthy, painful, or messy they were.
In those moments where we feel ourselves pining for our old ways, or even when we slip a little, don’t give up. Don’t throw yourself off track by berating your humanity as you go through the trials of feeling withdrawal from your old way of life. Hand it to God and ask for help to continue on the path, knowing you can do it.
Thought for the day:
Our steps are made firm by the Lord,
when he delights in our way;
though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong,
for the Lord holds us by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.