Live Carefully
Jun 29, 2009 Print This Post
This morning, I was reading today’s Bible passage at Text.RivChurch.com and one verse really jumped out at me:
Ephesians 5:10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
It was the first two words that really struck me: “carefully determine.” I tend to be a person who makes quick, snap decisions. I live that way, I lead that way, it’s how I’m wired. The best thing for Riv is that we have other leaders who are better at “carefully determining” and they keep me from taking the church off a cliff.
But they don’t live my Christian life–that is between me and God.
And so it is my responsibility to “carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” To me, that is a reminder that I need to take time on a regular basis to stop, slow down, and reflect on my life and ministry. One of my friends takes an hour a day, a day each quarter, and a week each year to do this sort of thing. I remember hearing him talk about this and wanting to do the same, but not wanting to slow down at the same time. Reminds me of the flesh v. spirit battle Steve talked about this weekend.
Maybe it’s time for me to get a bit more careful.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I liked that section too, though to me it wasn’t so much about wise decision making (I’d use Proverbs like 11:14 or 20:18 for something like that), but more about “not being of the world” and “seeking first the kingdom.” In my opinion, what pleases God most is Him glorified, and living a Christ-magnifying life as Paul expresses in Eph 5 certainly glorifies God.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Great post, noel. Being wedding season and all… I reflect on the fact that time and time again god reminds me love patiently.