Scriptural Foundation:
Revelation 3:15-16
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Reflection:
What motivates people? What inspires or drives them towards change? I have found that success is not how much money you have in the bank or your status in the community, but how one keeps moving forward. In Philippians 3:14, it says we are all called heavenward to a higher calling. If that is the case, then why do we sometimes feel like we are living the same situation over and over again? Personally for me it is getting in shape. My mother asked me the day before my birthday one year, to do her a favor. She wanted me to get up and walk the outer parameter of my neighborhood. The next day it was dark, cold, and raining on top of it. However, since I told my mother I would do it, I got up and did it. Then the next morning, the alarm went off and I really had to sit there deliberating for two minutes if I should go or stay. Sadly, left to my own devices and with no accountability, I was seriously questioning an action that yesterday I was propelled out of bed to do. So what changed? My ability to get up and go for a walk had not changed, but my motivation came from an outside source not from within. When it was just me, my warm bed and my suddenly irresistible pillow, suddenly the decision to go seemed so difficult. Then came the usual mantra playing in my head…..”You need to ease into this”…..”You can do it later on in the day.”…… “You do so much, you should rest, there is always tomorrow.”
Then I sensed a scripture bubbling up in me…… “I know your works, that you were neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” That got my attention, then I thought back to how determined (how hot) I was yesterday to report back to my mom that I did take time for myself and took that walk. And then today I was lukewarm when the weather conditions were better!?!? It took me sitting up in bed, in the dark for twenty minutes to realize what I already knew about my circumstances…..that I lacked the personal motivation or drive to better myself in this area of my life. Then I thought about what Jesus said in John, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Jesus knew He was going to die a horrible and excruciating death, yet He was motivated by the glory that was set before Him (Hebrew 12:2). There is a huge gap between my lack of motivation to exercise and Jesus going to the cross. However in both circumstances action started with decision. Personal decisions have generational and eternal impacts. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. You and only you determine how your life story will end.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab you note book.
- List the people and/or strife filled circumstances that seem to repeat themselves in your life.
- Be honest as to what you think is the cause. Present this list and causes to the Lord.
- Act on and be obedient to what the Lord says concerning your list. You will find the more honest you are with yourself the sooner these cycles are broken in your life.