UnShaded Revelations

found on healthyfamiliesfromGod.com and Pintrest

So this past week was AWESOME! It was my Spring Break and I’m so grateful for it! I did absolutely NOTHING…lol…well nothing major anyway…I completed several assignments I had due for school, so I wasn’t completely unproductive.

In my quiet time this week, God revealed some things to me; then I received confirmation on some things this weekend.  So just as He revealed them to me, I’m choosing to share my experiences and revelations with you.

We’ve talked about growing in Christ previously, but God is truly laying the maturity aspect on my heart and mind heavily.  This past weekend our praise team had a lesson or discussion on a lifestyle of worship and what that consisted of.  Quick overview for those that don’t have a complete understanding of what a “Lifestyle of Worship” consists of:

A lifestyle of worship simply means, that in EVERYTHING we do, in EVERY action we take, we do it for the glory of God.  Does that mean that we have to walk around singing, crying, on our knees, or speaking in tongues at every waking moment?  No, that’s not necessarily what that means, but in whatever you’re found doing, God gets the appreciation from it.   Assisting the elderly, volunteering at your local church/ministry, something as simple as blogging (when done with the RIGHT mindset) can be considered worship.  We have to be intentional about our worship.  God understands the attitude of our heart BEHIND our worship (or lack thereof), so in essence, if you have to say or think “God knows my heart” then nine times out of ten, your heart nor your attitude is in the right place.  You have to have a sincere heart.  Check these scripture references: Colossians 3:17; Romans 6:13

So now that we are all on the same page regarding our lifestyles of worship. As I stated before the word MATURITY is ringing loudly in my ears.  I’m about to step on toes, but so many of us lack the maturity to truly exhibit and live a lifestyle of worship.  Some of us don’t think about the consequences of our actions or we think about them and choose to do whatever we want to do, regardless of the outcome.  Where does God get the glory in that?

Just so you know that I was convicted by this, as well, I’ll use myself as an example: If you knew me in high school, college, and even a portion of my adult years I’ve never had a problem getting someone together and could careless about the outcome.  Even as recent as a few months ago, I was tired of a certain situation and I decided to get it handled.  The problem was I wasn’t expecting the response I received and at that point “All HELL broke loose”…I wasn’t condescending in the least, but I knew how to get them together and make them feel like “mess”, all without cursing or raising my voice. Another example is in my relationship with my husband, sometimes, I can be mean, crass, or an all out “butt”, if things don’t go my way, if what he’s saying doesn’t make sense, or I just don’t like what he’s done or said.  Well in both of those examples, where did God get the glory out of me being essentially STUPID and too immature to handle the situation God’s way; in love. Displaying and operating in an attitude of Godly love shows a MATURE Christian.

We talk about denying our flesh constantly, but do we really practice it? Our quick-tempered responses, giving in to fornicating, lying, stealing, gossiping, and every other sin is gratifying to our flesh.  We haven’t matured enough to deny our fleshly desires.  Romans 12:2 admonishes us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  We have to CHANGE our mind and our actions to live that life of worship.

It’s not always easy, because it’s a battle between your flesh and your spiritual man. It becomes easier as you engulf yourself in Christ and allow Him to make continual deposits into your spirit man.  The need to give everyone a piece of your mind won’t be warranted, because as you’re walking with Him and fully living a life of worship, you’ll see and understand the big picture.  Many times we’re so focused on minuscule things that we miss the overall picture.

How do we become spiritually mature?

1. Deny Self – Maturity calls for us to CHANGE our priorities…God’s agenda supersedes our own; we aim to obey and please Him and not ourselves.

Galatians 5:16 – So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves; 25-26 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

 2. Read and Study God’s Word – 2 Timothy 2:15 – says Study to show thyself approved.  The only way you’ll know and understand God’s way is to read and study His Word.

3. Do It – Make the choice to do it.  Life application is an intricate part of living for Christ and being spiritually mature…

God, Thank you for not giving up on us when we don’t do our best to please you. I ask you to forgive us for not making You a priority above all else.  I pray for those reading this struggling with maturing in You.  I ask that you renew minds.  God show us our reflections; show us what You see; then God I pray you show us YOU.  Strengthen us to apply what You’ve shown us and commanded. Thank you for your love and grace.  Amen. 

Praying for you always.