That was the gist of my dad’s sermon this morning, which really spoke to me despite the fact that my attention was divided between sermon and baby (I’m always glad when God gets himself through my distraction and confusion). I definitely have the tendency to idealize the future, to think that when certain circumstances come my way or when something changes that then I’ll have the energy/passion/desire to do more for God and be my best self.
On a related note, I was struck by the line in a hymn this morning: “my richest gain I count but loss” and thought how the accomplishments I’m striving for will be really disappointing if I achieve them and then realize that pursuing them instead of a close walk with Jesus has cost me in my relationship with God. I have been playing a dangerous little mind game with myself lately in which I mask selfish motives with spiritual lip service – God wants me to be happy, right? And he’s a great big God, so he can use me wherever I go and whatever I do. So I should just do whatever I want and let him chase after me sprinkling spiritual confetti on my pursuit of personal fulfillment. It’s embarrassing to realize how thin of a facade I’ve been hiding behind and fooling myself into neglecting prayerful discernment and submission to his direction. Continue reading “Don’t Wait to Follow Jesus”