I just realized I never published this final Swimming Post...written the middle of June. So, here it is...
Good Morning! We just returned from a grand holiday in England. We were there visiting George's English side of the family. This morning while I was swimming, I kept thinking about something our cousin said to me last week.
She reminded me that all I can do is what I know is right. That's so true! I already knew that, but it was a very timely reminder. Just as a swim team cannot do well unless each member of the team swims well, the body of Christ will not fulfill its purpose unless each member of the body does.
It's not just about race day. Swimming is about using the proper technique every time you're in the pool. It's about eating well and getting enough rest so your body can be in peak condition.
The same is true for Christ followers. It's not just about Sunday for Christ followers. We must practice what is right, according to the LORD, every day. It's about putting the right things in and resting.
Yes, I want the body of Christ to be a true reflection of Him, and I want His body to be healthy. BUT...I can only make sure I reflect Him and I can only make sure that I am healthy in body, mind and spirit by practicing what He's told me is right.
I can encourage others to live in trust and obedience, but I cannot do it for them. I can only make sure I live my life in trust and obedience.
Just like the entire swim team loses when any of it's team members doesn't swim well, the whole body suffers when you or I don't trust the LORD enough to live in obedience to Him and His Word.
Romans 12:9-21 says, "Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good. If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for it is written,
Good Morning! We just returned from a grand holiday in England. We were there visiting George's English side of the family. This morning while I was swimming, I kept thinking about something our cousin said to me last week.
She reminded me that all I can do is what I know is right. That's so true! I already knew that, but it was a very timely reminder. Just as a swim team cannot do well unless each member of the team swims well, the body of Christ will not fulfill its purpose unless each member of the body does.
It's not just about race day. Swimming is about using the proper technique every time you're in the pool. It's about eating well and getting enough rest so your body can be in peak condition.
The same is true for Christ followers. It's not just about Sunday for Christ followers. We must practice what is right, according to the LORD, every day. It's about putting the right things in and resting.
Yes, I want the body of Christ to be a true reflection of Him, and I want His body to be healthy. BUT...I can only make sure I reflect Him and I can only make sure that I am healthy in body, mind and spirit by practicing what He's told me is right.
I can encourage others to live in trust and obedience, but I cannot do it for them. I can only make sure I live my life in trust and obedience.
Just like the entire swim team loses when any of it's team members doesn't swim well, the whole body suffers when you or I don't trust the LORD enough to live in obedience to Him and His Word.
Romans 12:9-21 says, "Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good. If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for it is written,
“Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’”
On the contrary,
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For by doing this, you will heap
fiery coals [of shame] on his head.”
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For by doing this, you will heap
fiery coals [of shame] on his head.”
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
And James 4:17 reminds us that, "anyone who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it is committing a sin."
LORD, I do not want Your body to be less than it is called to be because I'm unwilling to do the work of following You. Please give me not only the desire but the trust and perseverance I need to follow You well. Help me choose to do what is right and good, and encourage others to do the same. Thank You, LORD. Amen.
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