Some things never change and other things never stop changing. You and I, for example, fit into both of those categories. Both depend upon whether or not we want to change. The old joke goes: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one but the bulb has to want to change." Groan. Anyway, change can be good, bad or indifferent. Depends totally on where we are in life. For the complacent, change is an enemy. For the rigid, change is intimidating. For the risk taker, change is eagerly anticipated. For me, change is constant and surprising. There are elements of excitement and fear that mingle when I think about change...any change. Some people tire of adjusting to yet another change in my life. Some people sit back and wait for the real change to take place in my life. What other people think and feel about my changing is important but not essential. The more we choose to follow Jesus in his request for change; the less we seek the approval or even permission from those around us. The cost of just such a change can be minor or terminal. When people can no longer tolerate any situation; there is the tendency to flee or at least abandon.
Within each of us there is a continual change switch that is switched on. We don't have access to this switch and can only go with the amount and level of electricity that pushes the change through our lives. For some, there is a slow trickle while others are wired for maximum flow. God has wired each of us differently. For some have one gift while others have another. For the behind the scenes person there is a need to function within that capacity. While those on the cutting edge are required to be "live wires" more often than not. Imagine if you will that you are the conduit through which your world and the world around you are dependent upon the electricity that passes through you. Sometimes I am a social hermit. No energy goes through me and out to those who need it. Imagine again, if you will, that you are the social butterfly of work, church, social circles and your family. There is so much energy flowing all the time that the danger of burn out is very possible. God doesn't want either extreme. God wants all things in moderation. God wants us to be open to "that moment" when energy needs to flow while reserved when no direction is given. We have both events every day of our lives.
The amount of time we surrender represents the batteries within us of God's power and grace. Some are fully charged all the time while others can't even wake up with any number of alarms. The trick is to stay awake, watch and pray and THEN release the power of God through yourself when He tells you to. This, the Bible, calls being "instant in and out of season" or "always being ready to give an account of that hope which is within you." The only way to recharge the batteries or to keep them in a fully charged condition is to read the Word and then pray without ceasing. We, as people tend to fill our minds, hearts and souls with everything to avoid the kingdom of God. While listening to non-Christian music is okay, Christian music is the recharge we need. While reading other than Christian books is good for readings sake, reading the Word and Christian books aids in the growth and maturity of our faith. While thinking on the world around us from a non-Christian perspective is okay; thinking of the world around us from the perspective of the heart and mind of God will show us how he wants to love on us and others.
As you might have imagined we all fail at this. This doesn't mean we quit, don't start, or rationalize away the responsibility to be the Christian that God has called us to be. Recharge your battery!
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