December 9th
December 9th
Joni Eareckson Tada suffered a diving accident at the age of 17 that resulted in a broken neck, leaving her a quadriplegic for the rest of her life. She has had a fantastic ministry since then. She has excellent books and devotionals that you should check out if you haven’t yet. A statement in one of her books goes something like this: Jesus died on a cross so that you would never suffer hell, not so that you would never suffer here.
Joni has had a life of suffering since her accident. She is now 76 years old. She has spent 58 years as a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. She has chronic pain due to her immobility, displaced hip and muscle atrophy. Most of us can’t comprehend that amount of suffering. We complain about minor aches and pains that come and go and we neglect to care for our bodies properly.
Here in the western world, we somehow think that we are entitled to a life without troubles or inconveniences. We find ourselves put out if we come upon hardship or have to work hard. It has only gotten worse since the many inventions of convenience. (I’m thinking automobiles, microwaves, dishwashers, 24-hour grocery stores and now delivery services like door dash, online shopping, etc.) Not that these conveniences are sinful but they have worsened our entitlement mindset.
We don’t take the time to stay in shape physically, exercise, eat right and get enough fresh air and sleep. We have let this bleed over into our spiritual life as well. We expect a quick devotion that only takes a few minutes each morning. We complain about sermons that last 45 minutes even though we will watch a 90-minute movie without hesitation. We can’t imagine spending an hour praying everyday or working out our spiritual muscles by studying the Word for more than a few minutes a day.
The sacrifice of time and effort in our everyday life is hardly suffering, especially when we compare it to those who have real suffering every day. It is a matter of priority. Is Jesus number one in our life? IF He is, then it will be reflected in our priorities/time/activities/attitude. If He is not yet number one, then let us go to the altar and remedy that.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Lest we think that our physical well-being doesn’t matter, let us remind ourselves that we house the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
It is Christmas season, we will be surrounded by sweet treats and have every right to splurge on those to celebrate but let’s not ditch every effort to maintain physical health. Maybe walk a little more on those days that we indulge. Plan out our splurge days in advance so we can avoid making the whole month one big splurge. I tell my kids that if you eat sweets everyday it is no longer a treat, it is a lifestyle.
More importantly, let us not be so busy that we neglect our spiritual health. If we find ourselves feeling inconvenienced by a “duty” to spend time with the Lord, let us ask for forgiveness, take our hearts to the altar and remember WHO it is that loves us. We are spending time with Him after all, not some big distant God on a throne somewhere far away. We are leaning in to the One who loves us more than anyone else ever could, the One who wants the best for us, the One who knows what the future holds, the One who longs to pour out wisdom, discernment, and blessings on us. When we remember who He is, it is easier not to feel inconvenienced.
1 John 1:5-7 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Let’s not be too busy to walk in His light this Christmas season.
Jesus, Light of the World, help me to abandon my entitlement mindset. Help me to put you first and live like you are the most important in my life. Help me to loosen my grip on those things that distract me or entice me away from your heart. Remind me of your profound love for me so that I desire time with you. Thank you for your patience and your reminder that I need to have my priorities right. Help me to keep this Christmas season all about you.