After last week’s post, what do you do if you feel like you’re going through the motions spiritually? What do you do when you’ve been guilted into more tasks to win an approval you already have?
The answer isn’t more commitment or will-power, but changing the way you think about all of it (Romans 12:2).
Repeat after me: “I can’t earn God’s love.”
Most of the love we have experienced in life has been earned. We were a good friend and so we received a good friend in return. When we weren’t…well… “We wanted different things out of life.”
Unconditional love is rare, even though it shouldn’t be.
To say, “You can’t make God love you more or less,” really pushes the boundaries of our understanding of love and God. Because if I’m honest, there are things you could do that would make me love you more or less.
But God isn’t like me…or you. You don’t have to make God like you. He already does. God is crazy about you! That’s why He sent His Son Jesus to die for you and for me (John 3:16-17).
When you practice a spiritual discipline it’s not about winning God’s approval, it’s training in righteousness to be more like him.
Variety is the spice of life.
I take several group fitness classes at the local Y with a buddy and our instructor changes up the exercises every month. I’m totally disoriented and confused for the first class of the new routine. The instructor says it’s good for us…something about muscle confusion. I don’t know about that, but I know that I’m engaged and paying attention.
Sometimes people compare spiritual disciplines to working out. “You don’t have to enjoy working out to get the benefits from working out.” A true statement, but I guarantee you aren’t going to stick with it if you dread it.
The problem with the working out analogy is that your body is a machine but your soul and heart aren’t. You’re not maintaining a machine you’re maintaining a relationship…with your Heavenly Father. No relationship benefits from going through the motions. Your body might, but your soul won’t.
If you feel like you are just going through the motions…
Have you ever thought maybe God was bored with your current relationship too? Maybe it’s just as painful for God as you are suffering through your time with Him.
Can you imagine going on the same date with your spouse every week? The same restaurant, the same meal, the same conversation (think of the movie Groundhog’s Day). Over time your initial good intentions would have diminishing returns. Your “dates” would have the opposite intended effect making your spouse wonder if you really do care about the relationship with all of the thought you put in. It would be boring for both of you.
Switch it up!
I love to ask other people how they practice the spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible reading, etc.) to get new ideas. Just like with exercise there is no one right way.
Recently, I was visiting a pastor friend in Texas. He had just moved to a new office in his church and he was showing me around. (I kept repeating to myself…thou shalt not covet…as I got the tour.) I noticed in the corner of his study a worn shepherd’s staff. I asked him about it. He told me when he prays for his church he likes to hold the shepherd’s staff to remind him of his role.
I was so struck by the imagery I did the same thing. Every time I see the shepherd’s staff it reminds me to pray for the people in my church. When I hold it and pray, it reminds me of the great responsibility God has entrusted to me with His people.
Who could you ask for some ideas on freshening up your spiritual disciplines?
Appreciate the season of life you’re in.
Sometimes well meaning people can make you feel like a second class Christian because you aren’t doing what they do. Being a devoted Christian is usually measured in terms of a growing checklist. “If you really loved God you would read your Bible more than 15 minutes a day.” “If you really loved God you would pray an hour a day in solitude.”
Most young moms would gladly welcome an hour of solitude, but alas there is no rest even in the restroom from the demands of toddlers.
Is it an act of Christian devotion for the mom to let her baby cry while she spends an hour alone reading? Or is it an act of selfishness?
If you feel torn between parenting and wanting to be a “good” Christian remember the season of parenting is shorter than you think. Soon you’ll wish you didn’t have so much quiet time. The seeds you sow now in their life will give you and the Holy Spirit tremendous leverage in the future.
I’ve always found comfort in the fact that when Jesus taught us how to pray He modeled a prayer that can be said in less than 30 seconds (Matt. 6:7-13).
Jesus said his burden was light (Matt. 11:30) and he had harsh words for spiritual leaders who crushed people with religious burdens (Matt 23:4).
I’m not encouraging you to be lazy or undisciplined. Instead, I’m giving you permission to learn the “unforced rhythms of grace.”
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. -Matthew 11:28-30, (Message)
