While I was praying today with the wife, I was confessing disappointment in the lack of quality fellowship and spiritual likemindedness at our church. But what came out in the end was the implicit sense of entitlement I’ve had that I deserve more for my efforts at church the last three and a half years. And I was struck dumb by what seemed like God’s reply, “and what did Christ get for His?”
As my wife prayed I was reminded that all we fight for under the banner of entitlement – uninterrupted naps for the pooklet, privacy in our home, likeminded friends – belongs to God. Everything we enjoy, for whatever length of time, are simply His gifts to undeserving stewards. We’re so accustomed to the daily sampling of pure pleasures He gives that we complain when they’re interrupted.
I was humbled and encouraged by this overarching truth held in place by the God of the universe. I’m now ready to “do all things without grumbling or complaining.” However, as dutiful as I can be with what I know to be right, I'm still susceptible to resentful feelings even as I refrain from external sin. For that, I will take the advice my wife gave me today and pray for a changed heart and a love for others. What else is there besides knowledge of God's truth and His enabling to obey it?
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1 comment:
Thanks for the encouragement! I had a number of resentful feelings today and this was a nice rebuke. :) See you guys soon!
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