For my entire life, I felt like I had to climb a mountain and keep relying on myself to grow! The older I get, the more I realize that growing in Christ is just the opposite of self-reliance. The power is in submission, which may feel more like a descent than an ascent. Our culture teaches that growing and striving brings us life: excelling in school; our careers; our social standing; in the sizes of our houses and our bank accounts. Jesus Christ teaches the opposite. He teaches that we come alive, instead, by submitting, listening and relying on Him. Instead of climbing that next mountain in our life, maybe it’s time to descend voluntarily. It’s time to give up control and put ourselves in the hands of God and allow Him to teach and shape us!
Matthew 10:39 (NLT)
39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
So, What… for This Week?
Take some this week and notice where you’re still striving to climb a mountain…That ladder of success perhaps. Re-evaluate your priorities. Talk to your spouse, or a close friend who will tell you the truth, about what is MOST important in your life. Whatever you put your emphasis on, will model to those that you influence to do the same thing. So try modeling JESUS this week and give ONE thing up for Him!