Because of a series of messages that our pastor is currently preaching on being reborn, I have been thinking about my own rebirth, and my subsequent walk with Jesus.  I’ve looked back at my growth in Christ, and how he has, and continues, to transform my life.

I shared in a group recently that there are some days when my attitude is bad, I feel crummy, and I question whether God has transformed me at all!  Then there are other days when I am thankful to see that God has changed me to look a little more like Jesus.  The ebbs and flows of walking with God.

Of course He has done the work of change, not me, and sometimes I forget that truth.  When I do, I find myself in the “striving” place.  That place where I feel I have to measure up to some outside standard in order to “grow spiritually”.  It’s a life draining place where you are “doing the work of the Lord” in order to somehow gain good standing with Jesus.

That awful striving.  The crazy cycle of do, do, do.

My husband often says that in Christian circles too much time is spent in this way of thinking.  We sometimes wonder together, where is the rest and joy that comes from following Jesus?  Must we always have our “brows furrowed” thinking about ways to “improve ourselves” so that we can be more rightly aligned with God?  How do we determine what is obediently following Jesus, versus the “crazy cycle of doing”?  When is it time to pull the plug on doing what others are telling us to do, so perhaps we can hear God’s instruction?  Is there a truly a place of quiet rest for the child of God?

But Christians are supposed to “do” stuff, right?  Of course they are.  As Christians we should all be using our gifts in service for our King, doing the things that, before eternity, He has planned for us to do.  But remember Christian, that not every opportunity is a calling.  If you are worn out, beaten down, frustrated, angry, etc., maybe you need to take some time to just “be”.  By that I don’t mean if you are feeling tired out, that you should go to church this Sunday and quit everything!  That’s NOT what I am talking about.

Jesus has asked for us to serve Him, yes, but when He told us to love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength, He meant for us to do that first.

Matthew 22: 35-39   One of them, a lawyer [an expert in Mosaic Law], asked Jesus a question, to test Him:  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Allow me to ask some questions.  When was the last time you just sat with Jesus.  Just shared your thoughts with Him; dreamed a dream with Him; took a walk with Him; relaxed with Him; told him you were scared about something; invited Him to enjoy your hobby with you; sang a song for Him; read your Bible to Him. You.  The real you, with your savior friend.

When was the last time it was enough to just be with Jesus?

Our first order of business, and the greatest commandment is loving Jesus, so nothing, NOTHING, is more important.  The second thing is loving (serving) those around you.  Get it in the wrong order, and you may hear the sound of clanging gongs, which often “sound” like fatigue; frustration; self-pity; anger; arrogance; etc.

Loving someone requires time, so spend some time to just be with Him.  Learn more of Him as you take in His word.  Let Him have those human being parts of yourself as you relax in His presence.  I bet it will refresh your relationship and you will find yourself loving Him more.  It’s from an overflow of love for God that we serve Him best.

Let’s allow Jesus to have His rightful place in our lives.  Don’t forget to be with Him.  Love Him and enjoy His rest.  Then we will serve Him joyfully with all that overflows.