These are not words we tend to gravitate towards in a positive way. In fact, I am sure that each of us has a way of setting up boundaries so that we do not expose too much of ourselves to others. Fear and uncertainty can plague us and in turn cause us to keep the "real us" at a safe distance.
First, I want to say that I believe it is incredibly important to first filter everything through God's word, so we can be within the guidelines He has given us to follow. Our thought life, our speech and our actions must be motivated by our love and desire to please Him.
So, with that said, freedom should follow.
Freedom to follow the call that God has placed on our life. Yes, there are absolutes in God's word that apply to all of us. The beauty in His master design of each of us is that we will flesh that out differently. For one example, this afternoon I had a wonderful discussion with a young woman about having children. She was saying how she was really wanting to search our her own answer, according to God's word, in regards to married people having children. Is it an absolute? Is in required? Commanded? What about those that are unable to have children due to medical reasons?
I said that I believe God tells us to raise up generation after generation for HIM and for HIS glory. We need to be obedient to that command. But to me, here is the beauty of it all. It is fleshed out in a unique way in homes all over the world.
I have a friend who has adopted four children and has two of her own, a friend who has only adopted even though she is capable of having her own children and one who adopted after trying for 10 years. I have friends that only have biological children and friends with no children who are investing in those children around them. I also just recently heard the amazing story of this young woman, Katie. Talk about having the freedom to live your life to what God is asking!
This is where it becomes important that we become vulnerable. Where we are open to share what God is doing in our life and stand boldly on the foundation of His master plan for our lives. It is so easy to begin to "mark" our lives by those certain success "markers" that the world so easily places on us.
college....check
a good job.....check
marriage.....check
a home of our own.....check
children......check
great family vacations.....check
successful children.....check
None of these things is bad. However, I do believe there are things that carry a great significance on which to build one's life. The list of "markers" goes on and on. I think the list could be much shorter.....
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul and your mind. Love & serve others.
vulnerable
exposed to let others see your heart burning with passion for God
open to letting Him use you in the ways He created you to be used for His glory
sensitive to His call on your life in whatever form that may take
Not all of us will be called to serve a people group on the other side of the world, but I know that whatever God calls you to do for Him, it is a high and holy calling, so do it well. Do it for Him with all your heart!
motherhood
ministry
teaching
financially supporting
adopting
writing
sacrificing
building
mentoring
creating
fatherhood
friendship
submission
obedience
serving
You can add your own to this list and if you don't know what it is that He has called you to at this season of your life.....stop right now and go before Him. Do not move forward with your own plans until you have heard from Him about what His plans are for you! If you have not surrendered your life to Him, then stop and do that now. Don't wait, time is short and there is much to be done for Him.
If we are moving forward with God, then we are moving in the right direction! Let Him show you the "markers" by which to mark your success in this life. Oh how different they will be than what we imagine!
