WE. ALL. HAVE. A. STORY.
Insignificant. Bland. Wild. Loose. Christ-follower. Non-Christ follower. Exciting. Boring. Radically changed. Gradually moved. All of us. No exceptions. And whether we think so or not, that story has meaning and a point. But it was never meant to be kept to ourselves. This is not a legalism thing. This is not a “I’ve-done-something-you-haven’t” sort of thing. Here is a quote I would like you to give some thought to:
Let us cleave to Christ more closely, love Him more heartily, live to Him more thoroughly, copy Him more exactly, confess Him more boldly, and follow Him more fully. J.C Ryles
No joke: that statement blew me away. If I could summarize the whole life of following Christ in a few short words, that would be them. 🙂 The reason it hit me is that I am so-o-o-o far away from that it ain’t funny. Even after following Christ since I was 8 (that makes 51 years); and even after being a pastor for over 36, I find myself hiding in a corner when I read this statement. I am so convicted by it! I feel like I am fileted by it.
One of the problems with an internet family is it is easy to be a ghost. What I mean by that is that it is easy to put on airs. To pretend to be someone we aren’t. You know the kind: “I have it all together.” “I am holy.” “I have conquered my demons and they no longer bother me.” “I no longer sin.” Ai yai yai! I once did a post called “WhoRU?” But that was fun and games. Time to move the flag. Here is what I would like to do:
I would like to hear your story. I think others would as well. I would like to take Wednesday of every week to include your story. Who you are. Your family. Your job. Your divorce. Your history. Your God-moment. Even your struggles (if you care to share that).
YOUR STORY!!
There will be NO judgment from me or anyone else. I will not allow it. You can tell as much as you want, or as little as you want. I would particularly like to hear your story with the quote by Ryles as your guide. I especially want to hear your God-moment, the time God got your attention. Along the way, we can also pray for each other. What do you say? This is not something I just thought up. I have been thinking about this for several weeks, but just couldn’t pull the trigger. If you would like to take part, please email me at pastor@ovcf.org. I will send you some guidelines.
In the meantime, what was your first thought when you read Ryles’ quote?
Bill, my thought was that we do all of that together, not alone.
Community does help us be a bit more “successful” in realizing what Ryles said.
I think we all fall short of Him, but I get your point… right in the middle of my nose. Is that blood? It hurt regardless…
I think I did share somewhat of my story with you a while back. My nail is still prone to bend in the places it did originally, but it don’t bend as much as it used to… Thank God literally.
Love the passion and heart Bill. It is inspiring.
We all do for sure Floyd. Sorry I bloodied your nose. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words.
Reminds me of how far away I am in the desert.
Lets face it. I for one do feel I am in debt to God for many miracles that has happened in my life BUT, it is a definite problem to stay focused on God ( Christ). The reason is my anger and stress that pop up in my daily life. No I am not backing away from Jesus and believing but it seems that outside sources easiy divert me from my calling and duties. That is where the anger comes in.
I know it is the temptations of daily life that causes the diversions and perhaps the devil too.
I just have to stay focused and resist the temptations from other influences. I have to imagine I am being tested but I can really do with out the testing right now.
We all struggle with that desert from time to time Larry. It is equally hard to stay focused. Understand the sentiment in that last sentence. Good to hear from you again.
I have a story that is directly out of a CSI crime TV show The sad
part is it is real in our community.
Care to be part of the weekly post?
Yes. Why not?
Sending it your way then. Thanks Larry.
Great quote, but alas, inertia gets in my way all too often. Along the lines of this type of conviction that speaks into one’s heart, I am reminded of the book Radical by David Platt. The first half of that book is grade A prime motivation for how to love God with a radical approach. As for sharing my story, I have already given you some details. That is enough sharing for now. But I will happily read and go along for the ride on this series.
I found a copy of that book in the church library when we were moving things. Someone brought it in. Think I am going to read it. Glad to have you along for the ride no matter how.
Hi Bill,
It isn’t rocket science to follow Christ. I am thinking that those who have difficulty are looking at something interfering with them and Christ.
Either they do not have the real Jesus in their hearts(the Holy Spirit), or they are disobedient to Christ, or they have changed their God without really understanding what it is they have done. they’ve left Christ.
Another reason may be that they have rejected some aspect of God (Jesus)because it doesn’t suit their wants and desires. They want control, and will decide what they believe or don’t believe.
This is what makes sense to me.
I think for some you are right Linda. but for others, like myself, it is sometimes a drift that happens without realization. Sort of like a boat adrift in the ocean. I just fail to be aware of what is happening.
I read the quote and wonder what it even means. It doesn’t resonate with me. As a non believer I have always wondered how people believe what they say they believe. I am quite familiar with and was raised to believe in the Christian story. While I do believe the words of Jesus, the social justice aspect, the love one another, the idea of remaining humble and helpful to one another are valid words to live by. To suggest I was a convicted sinner before I was even born, or that I should fear and love the same entity, or that snakes talk, or Noah had a boat with two of every creature, or someone can be swallowed by a fish and live to talk about it is all way beyond my little primate brain’s ability to believe. But I also have seen people make positive changes in their life by believing it. I am all for positive change however it happens.
I think, Jeff, you stated why it doesn’t resonate. It is a quote for a Christ-follower. You state some interesting things that would be interesting to hear more on. I would, however, love to hear some day how you got where you are today after being raised to believe in the Christian story. That is curiosity not a challenge. Thanks for your honesty.
I love the quote as it seems to simplify everything. Maybe it is my mood today but cleaving to Him and living like Him seems to release us from so much of the understandings and legalities of man. Thanks. I look forward to the Stories as I think each of our stories are our gift to the world of what Jesus has done for each of us. Stories of hope!
totally agree with you about cleaving and living like Him and the release it gives.
After I read that, I realized how much more I can do for Him. I am one whose whole life is centered on God, my purpose is to help others find God, and to teach them how to live life to the fullest through Him. I see I fall short.
Walk daily with God at your side!
Ed
No greater purpose Ed.
Looking forward to Wed! I love hearing how God has worked in our lives. We are all real people, with real problems and God helps each of us!
Your quote brought to mind the book “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, coming in June each Monday I am doing a post on a chapter from that book, praying it will lead people into a deeper following of Christ. I would love you to join in!
I am hoping the Wednesday posts do point people to Jesus and His help and strength.
Let me check the book out before I commit myself. 🙂
Love the quote, Bill. The one word that seems to pop out is “more” More of Him and less of me. It’s only we He became more in my life that incredible life change became a reality in my life!
“More” does pop out Eileen. If we got the more of Him and less of me right things would change in a big way.
Hi Bill,
‘more’ will happen as we consecrate ourselves to Him in a concerted effort.
Fasting is the way that God has given us to put our flesh under. The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. If our flesh and old man is dominating our actions and devotions away from God we need to fast as believers.
I am a good example of a believer who is not perfect in my devotional times and yet maintains a covenant with God. This tells me that those who are struggling are without power. They have to do something about this. Fasting is one way, asking God to intervene is another way, seeking the ‘speaking in tongues’ gift is another way.
Tithing needs to happen fairly consistently in a believers’ life. If they have a tendency for horoscopes, sacred stones, magic arts, certain beliefs from other religions, etc. believers need to get rid of these practices. It’s Christ and Christ alone who is our Saviour. If we look for spiritual satisfaction elsewhere we are adulterous and unfaithful people. God will divorce us. He divorced the Pharisees and teachers of the Law who were unfaithful.
Where we as believers are feeling a niggling of doubt about what we are doing when no one is looking, (or if we feel like we should not be doing something) then stop.
I understand there are addictions at times in these areas and so stopping is a process or perhaps a deliverance from God. But many believers are not in the place of addiction and stopping is a real demand from them by God.
Believers are not walking with God that is why they are experiencing him less. If they are experiencing him at all.
I would agree that fasting is a way to draw closer to God but I do question making it a “must.” Tithing is an outgrowth of our faith. And I think you know where I stand in the seeking the tongues issue. 🙂 I would not go so far as to say believers are not walking with God if they are experiencing Him less. Stunted maybe but not not walking with Him.
I’m more convinced than ever that we have to live our lives pursuing TO THE VERY END. There is no retiring because there is always more and another faith adventure and ground to be taken for His Kingdom. That thought will wear us out unless we understand our connection to the Vine and how we abide in Him. I certainly struggle like everyone else, but I do also feel that I have made my decision and by His grace, I will hold to it all my days.
That quote stirs me and excites me, Bill! There is more in Him to be gained as we follow! Good stuff.
No retiring resonates with me Jason since I will never be able to do so unless God does a miracle. And I mean a major miracle! 🙂 Glad you liked the quote.
I read it and saw the goal to which I continually strive.
That is the way of it.
My first thoughts after reading that quote, Wow! I am nowhere close to this. I am typing that quote out & placing it where I can read it everyday. Another great post & looking foward to hearing everyone’s stories. 🙂
Neither am I Jan. Glad it stoked the fire. 🙂 would you like to tell yours?
Every part of our life should be Christ centered!