Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Progress.....

The christian who spends their life focused on their 'progress' (can you say most christians version of sanctification) are like children who are in a rush to grow up and always want to be bigger and older, but then one day they get older and realized they missed out on enjoying the journey, and all the moments that come day in day out, and they regret it and wish to do it all over. Our christian walk is not about progress, it's about living the life we have been given. Enjoying all the moments the highs, the lows.......in no hurry to become better with age. Seeing life through the lens of progress can rob you of the very life you are meant to indeed enjoy, and to benefit from the actual process. 
We don't need to focus on growth or progress, it will happen. My kids often come down in the morning and I noticed that they look bigger to me. They actually grew overnight, but had no thought of growing, nor did they try to grow or worry about the fact that they would grow. It just happens as a natural outcome of being a child that will grow to maturity into an adult. So too, will the christian who Christ inhabits grow up into who they are in time naturally. No amount of worrying about growth will help their growth. 
So people, in the words of one of my favorite preachers, just chill out, relax and enjoy your Daddy God!!! 
Peace to all who may stop by!

18 comments:

tigerbright22 said...

I think I know who that preacher must be...

Crumbs, Lydia, at that rate your kids are going to be positvely godzilla a few years down the road... ;)

lydia said...

.......ya think!! :)

Don't you remember growing overnight when you were a kid Phil - ha! I sure don't, I do remember my brother grew 7 inches in less than one year at one point, crazy huh. It just happens naturally - of course a healthy diet does help growth if you know what I mean..........

tigerbright22 said...

7 inches in one year? Wow.

Yep, I think other people notice it quicker than you do yourself, especially mothers perhaps.

Yes, I think I know what you mean(?). I need much in the way of rest yet.

lydia said...

I meant, nourished bodies are healthy bodies, via healthy eating, real food, quality food, not processed synthetic garbage that kills us, etc......so it is with the spiritual life we need nourishment, we need to be fed authentic real truth, life - faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God in purity, not mixture, nothing added pure Jesus!!! Woo I am getting myself all worked up, ha - !! Yes Phil just rest in the nourishment of His rich satisfying grace!!!

Phil said...

..Are you hinting to try 'n make sure I eat healthily, too? Don't worry, I do ;)

Still feel like the word of Christ really needs to sink in.

lydia said...

No it was an analogy really - but I do happen to be passionate about nutrition, I am thinking I may be doing a post one of these days along these lines......anyway, hang in there, the word will not return to Him void, it shall accomplish that which He purposes, it will nourish you, sometimes it takes time for it to be digested, heheh.........Heb 4 - the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow............I think you are in a great place longing to enter that rest - He is faithful!!

Phil said...

Feeling pretty low right now. Thanks, Lydia.

lydia said...

Aw sorry Phil - I know that feeling all too well, hang in there, know that God loves you radically and wants to bless you............I just got a free car!!!!!!! He gives us beyond what we even ask or think, don't be afraid to ask for radically wonderful things from Him........peace to you, I pray you enter that rest and soon!!!!

sparrow girl said...

I loved this, Lydia! We've been planted in Jesus soil and we're naturally going to grow! I don't want to think about growth or progress anymore - I want to just enjoy Him and His love! Thanks for this post!

Congratulations on your new car! That is wonderful!

lydia said...

You said it girl!! Stay tuned for the testimony post on my car............!!!!!!! (squeal.......!!!)

Phil said...

That is awesome, Lydia :) Really happy for you...One of the things I remember praying for you was for a car...I remember saying that I know Father, that you care for her and that you're well capable of doing it...As did you and others, I'm sure.

lydia said...

Thanks Phil & thanks for praying!!!!! :)

silent wings said...

WoW!!! So, so true. My kids ARE growing overnight before my eyes. And I do know kids who fret and worry about their growth, it is painful to watch. Such a simple post but so good! Did you get Bertie's recent blog note about "growing your ministry" ? Such a connection here. :)

sparrow girl said...

Lydia,

I've got this comment to leave and I'm going to put it here, okay?

You are such a precious and wonderful person both to God and all who are blessed to know you! I am sorry about the terrible times you've gone through, and also glad that God has carried you! The joy you exude is so beautiful and it's Him shining through! Wow - to hear you talk about how you have such joy in the midst of all the "stuff" coming your way - it just gives hope.. that no matter what He is our joy, and NOTHING can take that joy away from us!

Leonard said...

Stole it. :)

Aida said...

Love this, Lydia. What a great post! It's so refreshing. Thanks for the reminder.

Rich said...

lydia,

I loved what you shared here, it brought a flash back of my kids when they were much younger while at the local pool for swimming lessons, it was a constant, "Watch me dad, watch me do this dad"...everything seemed to brighten up their activities if they caught Dad joining in.

I see it much the same now in my noticing that I don't have to beg his attention, "Watch me dad" He is so involved, growth is a natural extension of living loved!

Rich

lydia said...

Cirra ~ Thanks! I have note gotten Bertie's note, I will have to look into that.

Sparrow ~ You are TOO kind!! Thanks for your encouragement!!!

Leo ~ {{{no stealing, you can borrow my stuff anytime ;) }}}

AIDA!!! Great to see you!! Glad you enjoyed! Peace to you!!!

Rich ~ I love what you shared! So so true! Thanks for stopping by!!