Tag Archives: strength

Changing how I think

 

These days I am becoming convinced, as a disciple, that I need to change how I think and act. I want to think and act as if I had the mind of Christ and it means I have a lot of change that needs to take place.  Paul challenges Philemon in the same way. Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon, had run away and somehow found himself to be a friend of Paul. The culture demanded severe punishment and even death. Paul is well aware of this and yet sends Onesimus back to Philemon. He challenges Philemon to see things differently, through the prism of being Christ’s disciple.

 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,  no longer as a bondservant[c] but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. – Philemon 1:15-16  ESV

I believe that Paul is challenging Philemon with the idea that there is a cost of being a disciple and that comes to us in the form of changed attitudes and actions.

What a tangible expression of discipleship.  Philemon was converted under Paul’s preaching and  then discipled by him. Onesimus was on the run from Philemon when he encountered Paul.  Paul then discipled Onesimus. He then sent Onesimus back to Philemon and expected Philemon to disciple Onesimus. I see that discipleship is intimate and deeply personal.

Maybe change comes in the form of detachment and even renunciation as I discover what being a disciple of Jesus looks like. Paul had to renounce the service of his new helper and return him to his master. As a new disciple, Onesimus had to leave Paul, face his owner and accept the consequences.

What I like about Paul modelling discipleship in relation to the one being discipled is how there needs to be behaviour representing a Christ-like manner, voluntarily doing the right thing.

 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,  yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you – Philemon 1:8-9  ESV

In other words, we are all in the family of Christ.

I am challenged today to seek the face of God and to seek His strength. I am never absent from the presence of Jesus – I live and move and have my being with Him. What I like about this verse in the Psalms is that while I am seeking God here, I am actually challenged to seek Him continually – in my devotions, day to day tasks, worship – everywhere.

Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
 O offspring of Abraham, his servant,
    children of Jacob, his chosen ones! – Psalm 105:4-6  ESV

Let’s face it – I count my time and all of my opportunities for seeking God for one sole purpose – preparing me for the time I will be with Him forever.

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Parenting

 

Now that my children are grown and married with one giving us two beautiful grandchildren, I see parenting a little bit differently then when I was going through it myself.  In fact, I am asked often for my opinion (not from my own child 🙂 ) from others on what or how to help their children grow into followers of Christ.  First of all, I tell them to love them with all their might, strength, soul and mind. Love covers a multitude of sins.

I must say that my next thoughts are on discipling them. I believe that is where the heart of parenting lies. It is not saying that the call to discipleship in Matthew is not the prime verse, it is, but it is also to acknowledge others like Ephesians 6:1-4 as guidelines to the same kind of thinking.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Raising my child/grandchildren to be disciples of Christ is what God would desire from me to give to my family – Trinity-displaying, God-glorifying, disciple-making units. I believe the family is a unique place for the development of disciples.

I can see through other scriptures as well that God’s plan for children has been for parents to be the primary disciple makers.

This would be a good time to go back to the definition of discipleship which is a change that happens from the inside. I am not only called to learn the teachings of Jesus, I am called to live them. That is when change happens. It is my understanding  of His word given to me by the Holy Spirit and then having the desire to live it. I actually become tuned to listen to the Holy Spirit. It is His empowerment that enables me to do what I have been asked to do and to resist temptations and to overcome trials.

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18  ESV

We all have different roles – mine today is a grandparent. I believe whatever our role is, it should be a model of how a follower of Christ relates to God. I pray that as I watch others in their roles that I might learn from them how to be a better disciple.

I love the opening line of the passage above – there is not so much a call for physical attributes, but definitely one for spiritual strength. I need to decide which power centre I will be aligning myself with. My primary requirement as a disciple is to cling on tight to the Lord.

 

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