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Life As We Know It

But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~Romans 5:3-4
I'm feeling a little persecuted lately. Nothing I do seems good enough, no matter how hard I work. My motives are questioned; someone in authority over me assumes the worst. Forming opinions without considering all the circumstances and using only the one-sided, limited knowledge they have. I'm fighting a losing battle against a closed mind, and it presses down on me like a ton of rock.

Why do we give such unworthy people that kind power over us? Why do we allow them to destroy our peace of mind, our happiness? The answer is clear...we lack the strength and comfort we need, the things that God offers freely to us. Caught up in our daily lives, we fail to partake of the gifts ever at our disposal. The power in Christ to be content with the knowledge that we know the truth of our worth and motivations and not to be bothered with the malicious opinions of others.

How do we acknowledge and benefit ourselves of such gifts? We build a relationship. A real relationship; not some concept of one. How real is God to you? (I am speaking to believers.) I am guilty of a superficial relationship. A prime example of proof: I can force myself up for work no matter how tired I am. I fear the consequences of not getting to work on time. And yet, on Sundays, I justify my lack of willpower to get to church for only an hour.(Something that has increasingly knawed at me.) How do I achieve the same level of appreciation for my soul that I have for my job?

In order to love someone, you must first know them. And the only way to know someone is to spend time with them. Period. Prayer, bible reading, and meditation are the ways to grow in spirit with God. Good works in His name are the temporal tools he affords us in reaching our goal to grow in spirit with Him. (He knows our needs as human beings.) How true the comfort one receives in helping others as well. Acknowledgement of this and a desire to know God are half the battle...and I thank God for those gifts to me. I need only to put forth the effort, for the rewards are great!

I look forward to my journey, and I pray that others respond to His call as well.
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