Published by Barbara on 02 Aug 2010
Do What Makes You Strong In Christ
Taped across my bathroom mirror is a sign I made.
I put it there because I knew I would see it every day; it is literally “in my face.” Forced to see the sign, I would have to stop and take account of it. And therefore, daily, be reminded.
The sign says, “Do What Makes You Strong in Christ.”
Let me explain the “why” behind this reminder to myself, and then “what” I do in response.
If you haven’t noticed lately, the world we live in is draining. Utterly draining. We rush through our days with barely a moment of sanity. When we do pause, we don’t even have time for an email; we text, facebook or twitter instead. It’s quicker. Meanwhile, all day long, an activity (whether it be church, school, work or personal) is constantly in our face with a barrage of constant stimulus. And just when you think you have a minute, your cell starts ringing from people who need some type of action from you. Seriously – how spacious does your day feel? How many free moments do you have in a normal day – and do you feel free to enjoy them?
Even if you dislike the pace of your life, you get caught up in it. You feel like you’re not doing enough unless every moment is filled with activity. And not just one activity; we multitask. We read email while on the phone. We make lists while in bible study. We text or eat when we drive. We watch the news when we exercise. Seriously – if you are not multitasking, it feels irresponsible, like you are slipping behind.
And the effect of this is utterly draining, body, soul and spirit. And when we are drained, we are vulnerable. Vulnerable to spiritual attack.
For example, you don’t give way to despair when you’re having an awesome day; you fold when you are at your rope’s end. You don’t drop your guard right after a wonderful time of worship; you drop your guard when you are too tired to care. It is when we are drained that we give way to the assaults of the enemy – the lies, the accusations, the agreements with overwhelmed. It takes strength to hold your ground; it takes strength to take a stand; it takes resolve to send the enemy packing. So he uses our business to wear us down, then uses our flesh to make us even weaker, and then slams us with open assault.
And that is why I need to remind myself to do whatever it is that makes me strong in Christ. Not things that makes me popular, important or busy. I need to do those things that make me strong in Christ. Permit me to name a few:
- Praying Daily. This is a very powerful act of consecration. (Luke 18:1)
- Listening to music that draws you to God. (Psalms 96:1)
- Spending time with people who build you up spiritually, not drain or tear you down. (Romans 15:1)
- Laying aside meaningless things. (Hebrews 12:1)
- Worshipping God throughout the day. (Psalms 99:5)
- Observe nature as a powerful way to get closer to God. God created everything and nature is a representation of His glory, His splendor and His beauty. (Psalms 24:1) - Getting some measure of silence and solitude every day. (Even if it is only fifteen minutes) (Isaiah 30:15) - Walk, don’t run. I noticed this awhile back, noticed that even when I go to get some “down time” what I usually did was run (to exercise) and so I made a change. I started walking instead of running, because when I walk I notice life more and can hear my own thoughts and talk to God. (Acts 24:16)
- Spend a day doing absolutely nothing.(Genesis 2:2)
I’m naming a few essentials – every person will also have those things that uniquely help you draw upon the strength of Christ to fill your body, soul, and spirit. Ask yourself, “What would I do, deliberately and intentionally, if I was serious about getting stronger in Christ each day?” Then, by all means, do it! Ephesians 6:10 says, “Says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”