Fear of Change

This morning I was reading in Matthew.  Specifically, I was reading Matthew 11: 2-19.  What stood out to me this time when I read this passage was how Jesus pointed out that sinners would criticize John when he was living for God better than anyone else.  Isn’t that just like us to judge and criticize others when what we really need to do is take a long hard look at ourselves!

The sinners did not want to change their lives so they justified what they were doing and then criticized John, and eventually Jesus. 

It’s sad.   And what is even sadder, is that it’s still so prevalent today.  How many times have you justified or excused something you’ve done knowing that it wasn’t glorifying God.  Sometimes we hold onto to that one sin we struggle with….afraid to let it go…..afraid to find out what it would really be like to live without it.   To me, that is a sign of not fully trusting God.  It means our heart is focused more on ourselves  than  on God.

What we should be afraid of, is what our lives will be like if we don’t let our sins go.  Give your sin to God. Our lives would be so abundant if we put everything we have into following Jesus.  Instead, many of us, put everything we have into justifying our sinful behavior, no matter the degree.

I think we have to look at where that gets us, what good is that doing in our lives.  Hanging onto sinful behavior may feel good for you, it may be “instant” gratification, it may be comfortable, but I can promise you in the eyes of God, it’s not  truly good for you.  He has so much more in store for you that blows away any instant gratification you could imagine.

After I read these verses in Matthew I read my Study Bible notes and this is what it says about verses 11:16-19.  “Too often we justify our inconsistencies because listening to God may require us to change the way we live”.

Amen!  It WILL require us to change the way we live, but in doing so we gain so much more.

Roadblocks

 

Do you ever feel like there are roadblocks getting  in your way?   Holding you back.  Keeping you from doing what you want to do, what you feel led to do? 

I have to admit, that’s what it feels like for me sometimes.  Actually a lot of the time. What is it that holds you back?

For me it’s useless worry about what I’m not getting done, what I still have left to do, what I need to do better.  It’s fears of failure, doubt, indecision, and way too much hesitation.  These are the things that fill my head and slow me down.  They are all lies the enemy tells me over and over and I choose to listen. Repeatedly.  Not only are these my roadblocks, but I’ve been known to take a few detours as well.

Why am I doing this to myself, I mean really?  What a waste of time.  What a waste of energy.

I know if I could just get that junk out of my way I could accomplish some great things.  I know I need to stop letting anything hold me back and I just need to go after what it is God has in store for me.

Why do I choose to listen to the lies and stay over here, when I need to be over there…..on the other side of the roadblock.

I pray that God can help me to break down each one of my roadblocks one by one.  I need His help because I cannot do it alone.  And I’m tired of it.  I’m tired of being held back. It’s time to drive forward and let nothing hold me back.  God is pulling me forward.  He’s waiting on me to catch up. 

It’s time I did.

So Long Self

This is an older song by MercyMe, but it’s one of my favorites.  It’s funny, because it’s written as if you are breaking up with yourself.    However, evertime I hear it, it reminds me that it is not about me!   I need to get out of my own way and only follow Jesus, not myself.  Following myself never works out.  Following Jesus always does.