what would IT look like

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

What a gorgeous day. Chilly, but gorgeous nonetheless. In lieu of my inaugural Friday posts, I actually have something "new" to present for consideration. It seems as though the events of the last few weeks lead to this next point: something that if we are to truly be known by God we must consider. A few weeks ago, a friend of mine shared that instead of asking God to totally work and change something in an instant, we should approach each day asking that God would reveal Himself in a new and little way each day. I haven't been consistent with that prayer, but this morning as I headed to work I remembered it. These are the thoughts that have followed.

What does it mean to live each moment in the fullest, all for the glory of God?

The world says "don't take a day for granted" and to "live life to the fullest". Non believers have taken the charge, by saying "I love you" to those around them or running the 10K they never thought possible; but what does IT look like for the Christian, the one who knows their times are set, plans are known, and hairs on their head are numbered by God Himself. This God who has destined some for noble purposes, some for everyday purposes, but all for communion with Him in each step, every breath, and through all joys and pains.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11

My job entails delivering tests back to the departments from which they came. As it is Midterm time, there are many tests to be returned all over campus. It is a nice way to get some exercise in during the day. This morning I had exams to return to the Psych building, Environmental Science, and Gerontology. As I stepped outside I was met with the chilly morning West Texas air. I should have checked the weather. Was it smart to wear a dress? I froze as I walked from building to building. For a split second the thought occurred to me, 

"This is not my body. I may be able to tolerate the cold this morning, but is this taking care of the body that has been given to me?"

This was a minute detail of my day. I have never considered my body as not my own regarding my health like that before. As I continued my route, two of the offices I had to deliver to were not yet open. I have discovered there is something about Friday mornings that stirs us at snail pace. It was nearly 30 minutes after 8:00. What makes Friday any different from Tuesday, or Wednesday for that matter?

So I ask again: whether we are students put in the University setting for these 4ish years of our life, middle-aged parents with families to take care of, or "seasoned" adults too frail to travel-do we not have a responsibility to serve and honor God with our whole beings? What does IT look like when we are unable to go to the far ends of the Earth and share the Gospel? I think God has us where He wants us, and while He may be calling us to new places, He asked and continues to ask for faithfulness in the little things.

What does IT look like to have the mindset in which each breath is of God, each morning is a new day God has granted us to walk alongside Him in this preview to eternity, each assignment, job or conversation is an opportunity to show the excellence, patience, wisdom, kindness, and goodness among the infinite description of our Creator?

We were created to be His and live in the fulfillment that comes from a walk beside Him. This doesn't seem satisfying by the world's standards. I am struggling to wrap my mind around this and to be willing and to desire to put forth that effort or standard in all that I do. What about mess-ups? That's where the Grace of God is so evident. We are going to fail. That's just the way it is. But are we to make excuses or continue in that sin? Thoughts such as doing "just enough" to get by or coming into the office late "because no one cares anyways" are more likely to describe my actions than "because God has granted me the ability, I will do the best I can and trust that He will provide and be glorified no matter how it turns out". 

As I have examined my studies, my relationships, my coaching, my research, my daily routine I have seen how much I have settled for the surface level. Another point- look at how I phrased that previous sentence...my...my...my...my. These are not "my"ne. These are the opportunities in which I have only the guarantee of for today. The call to be faithful lies in these minute details. How can I expect the "burning bush" answers and callings I so desperately desire to know about for the future when I won't submit in the now I have been given today? 

When we meet our Creator, He will either say to us "well done good and faithful servant" or "depart from me, I never knew you". When we love someone we desire to please them, but more so, we desire to be with them. Our God is only Good. Our whole beings are to pursue His Goodness. In this charge we grow closer to one another as we push each other to new heights through His Spirit and in this process, His Spirit draws us to Him. I think we can Know Him a little more each day. Like Elizabeth Elliot said, "That which is lifelong is surrendered in a lifetime". In this pursuit we are running for the prize, a fullness of God to be granted at the end of our lifetime. Runners don't give up. But we help each other and take each stride with the legs He has provided, breathe each breath with the air He's granted, and one day cross the finish line at whatever pace He has set for us. Some parts of the race will seem like we're barely putting one foot in front of the other, we may not be able to move on our own. It will be Him who moves us. And when we are still moving, even with staggered breaths and the pace of a worm, when the rest of the world would have stopped, they will know, even if it's snail pace, that this is only from Something Greater. 

Don't be discouraged when it seems our effort is not enough. It's hard to be positive all the time. Biblical characters were not perfect. Look at Paul. He was NOT a gifted speaker. But he did what he was asked to do. By the worlds standards he may not have been great, but for God, I think his faithfulness made it effective. God is not limited by our limitations. God is seen through them.

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of menbut in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

I feel like I could keep writing as more and more stories are coming to mind. For now I will stop here. The question "what would IT look like?" has been asked long enough. We may not have a full understanding, but for today, we can ask God to help us understand a new little way. Our daily tasks can be a start. We may not understand it all right now, but it's in the pursuit and action that accompanies it, that we begin to know God and I think this is an aspect of His Love as we try to honor Him. Thank you to all of you who have been there both when the strides are easy and when I've been dehydrated and exhausted. I do not doubt that God is using His Spirit through the life He gave you and I to challenge our thinking, our actions, and our being. 

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

Today, He has shown me this piece and He has used many of you throughout the last few weeks to reveal aspects of this. It is only fair that I return the favor by putting it into words for you. So while we don't know what IT in IT'S entirety would look like, we can know enough for today. He will provide His knowledge and understanding in His due time.

But the man who loves God is known by God.

1 Corinthians 8:3