My Shepherd's Voice
The most consistent thing I have struggled with in my relationship with Christ is trust/faith. No matter how much I try, it seems like there is always something keeping me from putting my faith completely in him. When I sit down and think about it, the things that I try to put my faith in, are not logical. Money for instance, can be a big stumbling block, not only for me, but for a lot of people. We seem to think that if we have a little bit more money, that life will be stable and the problems will go away. Well, newsflash, they don't. In fact, Paul says in 1 Timothy 6, that money is the root to all kinds of evil. Let's think about that, why do people deal drugs? Well, I don't know for 100 percent sure, but I'm guessing it isn't for kicks and giggles. Why do people rob banks, or houses? Because someone has something that they want. If we don't have it, then we feel like we (yes, this is a generalization) are unsuccessful. Unfortunately, once we get it (if we get it), life isn't as perfect as we thought it would be. In some cases, it is worse of than it was before.
Another example is looks, especially looking at Hollywood, looks are vital. If you aren't the skinniest woman or the most ripped guy, then you won't survive as a "superstar." As a result, people (especially teens and young adults) do whatever they need to in order to fit this lie. What happens though, when you gain 10 lbs of fat, because you didn't workout as much that week.
All of these things that we believe define who we are, turn out to be completely fluid; based on things that are constantly changing. We put our faith in something completely unstable, instead of something that is concrete. Take these two pictures for example:
If someone told you to stand on one of these mountains, which would you choose? For those who don't want to fall off a mountain, most would choose the bottom picture. If for some reason you have some insane reason you like standing on upside down mountains, then the top one would be the best choice.
In life, we have to make the decision, what/who do I put my faith in? Do I put my faith in something that can change? Like money? Jesus addresses this in Matthew. He says do not store up for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy, but store up treasures in heaven. Don't focus on bettering yourself now, because it will all go away. Instead, be last now, then you will be first in heaven (forever).
Now granted, this is far easier said than done. In order to do this though, we must learn to listen to our master's (shepherd's) voice. Jesus said that "his sheep know his voice, and they follow him." If we try to listen to the world, instead of Christ, who is our solid foundation, then we will always be struggling for stability. We will always be on an unstable foundation as long as we try to put our faith/trust in ourselves, people, money, and physical things.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean no on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will straighten your path."
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." - John 10:27-28
Another example is looks, especially looking at Hollywood, looks are vital. If you aren't the skinniest woman or the most ripped guy, then you won't survive as a "superstar." As a result, people (especially teens and young adults) do whatever they need to in order to fit this lie. What happens though, when you gain 10 lbs of fat, because you didn't workout as much that week.
All of these things that we believe define who we are, turn out to be completely fluid; based on things that are constantly changing. We put our faith in something completely unstable, instead of something that is concrete. Take these two pictures for example:
 |
| Unstable foundation |
 |
| Stable Foundation |
If someone told you to stand on one of these mountains, which would you choose? For those who don't want to fall off a mountain, most would choose the bottom picture. If for some reason you have some insane reason you like standing on upside down mountains, then the top one would be the best choice.
In life, we have to make the decision, what/who do I put my faith in? Do I put my faith in something that can change? Like money? Jesus addresses this in Matthew. He says do not store up for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy, but store up treasures in heaven. Don't focus on bettering yourself now, because it will all go away. Instead, be last now, then you will be first in heaven (forever).
Now granted, this is far easier said than done. In order to do this though, we must learn to listen to our master's (shepherd's) voice. Jesus said that "his sheep know his voice, and they follow him." If we try to listen to the world, instead of Christ, who is our solid foundation, then we will always be struggling for stability. We will always be on an unstable foundation as long as we try to put our faith/trust in ourselves, people, money, and physical things.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean no on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will straighten your path."
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." - John 10:27-28
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