"God is more concerned with your character, than with your comfort." Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life
God's desire to refine us is what leads Him to allow character changing events to take place in our lives. Were He only interested in making His kids comfortable, we would never grow beyond where we are now. I don't know about you, but I don't want to stay where I am now. I am not content to remain in the same place emotionally and spiritually, but desire to change.
Looking at my role as a parent helps me understand the life changing role of character building. If I want my kids to merely lead a comfortable life, I will not push them beyond where they are now. I will not expect anything other than what they are currently giving. I will ask nothing of them that might be too hard. In concerning myself more with their emotionally and physical comfort, it may seem in the world's eyes I am doing what's best for them. In fact, what I'm doing is raising spoiled, comfortable kids who don't have a spiritual leg to stand on.
On the other hand, if my desire is to help develop their character, I will push them out of their comfort zones, even if it means facing their greatest fear. I will continually expect more than they are currently giving in order to teach them an attitude of service. And I will give them tasks at which they may struggle. Do I want to see them struggle? No, but it is through struggling they will learn valuable lessons that move them beyond where they are and on towards maturity.
That's exactly what our heavenly Dad wants for us - to lead us on toward maturity. But are we willing to take the necessary risks to grow in Him? Or are we content to stay where we are, safe within the confines of the familiar? When faced with a decision, most of us will gravitate towards the easiest choice; the one that requires the least amount of sacrifice. That's human nature, but it's not usually the choice that leads to the greatest growth. It's through personal sacrifice and allowing the LORD to use us and mold our character that we see the greatest blessing.
I'm pretty sure my heavenly Dad doesn't want to raise a spoiled, comfortable daughter without a spiritual leg to stand on. He's working on my character and with each difficult choice I make, I'm being refined to reflect His glory. How about you? Are you willing to give up being comfortable in order to be refined? I guarantee it will be a decision you won't regret.
God's desire to refine us is what leads Him to allow character changing events to take place in our lives. Were He only interested in making His kids comfortable, we would never grow beyond where we are now. I don't know about you, but I don't want to stay where I am now. I am not content to remain in the same place emotionally and spiritually, but desire to change.
Looking at my role as a parent helps me understand the life changing role of character building. If I want my kids to merely lead a comfortable life, I will not push them beyond where they are now. I will not expect anything other than what they are currently giving. I will ask nothing of them that might be too hard. In concerning myself more with their emotionally and physical comfort, it may seem in the world's eyes I am doing what's best for them. In fact, what I'm doing is raising spoiled, comfortable kids who don't have a spiritual leg to stand on.
On the other hand, if my desire is to help develop their character, I will push them out of their comfort zones, even if it means facing their greatest fear. I will continually expect more than they are currently giving in order to teach them an attitude of service. And I will give them tasks at which they may struggle. Do I want to see them struggle? No, but it is through struggling they will learn valuable lessons that move them beyond where they are and on towards maturity.
That's exactly what our heavenly Dad wants for us - to lead us on toward maturity. But are we willing to take the necessary risks to grow in Him? Or are we content to stay where we are, safe within the confines of the familiar? When faced with a decision, most of us will gravitate towards the easiest choice; the one that requires the least amount of sacrifice. That's human nature, but it's not usually the choice that leads to the greatest growth. It's through personal sacrifice and allowing the LORD to use us and mold our character that we see the greatest blessing.
I'm pretty sure my heavenly Dad doesn't want to raise a spoiled, comfortable daughter without a spiritual leg to stand on. He's working on my character and with each difficult choice I make, I'm being refined to reflect His glory. How about you? Are you willing to give up being comfortable in order to be refined? I guarantee it will be a decision you won't regret.
This echoes what our pastor talked about in church this morning! The title of his message was "My Dad Won't Help Me".
ReplyDeleteThe only way we can learn good problem solving skills is if we practice. Therefore, just because God "can" help you, He often doesn't - so we can learn the lesson we need. Just like when we push our children out of their comfort zones or allow them to struggle.
God must really want me to learn this lesson today! :)
So, so true. I crave growth, even if it hurts, which it usually does. Very good post, thanks! Lisa~
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