Revolution

Revolution!
July 13, 2007

Something has been changing in me for quite some time. I have had a lingering question in my heart that I have tried to deal with in many different ways. I have cast it out, I have sought counsel, I have searched scripture and examined my heart to see why the question was even there in the first place.
The question: “What does it mean by do not forsake the assembling together?”
I have wondered does it mean the old stand by response? Go to church! Or is there a deeper meaning? Am I running because I don’t seem to fit or is there a deeper reason? Why is it that when I do go to church my heart longs for so much more?
My heart longs to touch the face of God… I long to live my life as a reflection of his love for me and for those around me… I long for my outward life to reflect what my heart screams!
Then I received a copy of the book by George Barna; Revolution and as I have begun to read the first couple of chapters, my heart leapt for joy!
The Revolutionary mind-set is simple: Do whatever it takes to get closer to God and to help others to do the same. Obliterate any obstacles that prevents you from honoring God with every breath you take. Be such an outstanding example of the Christian faith that no one will question your heart or lifestyle- except those who see institutional survival as equally or more important than the alleged influence of the institution they defend.
Or, put more succinctly, the Revolution is about recognizing that we are not called to go to church.
We are called to be the Church.
What a liberation this is! What freedom! What responsibility!
So it is here that I begin to live this revolutionary journey!
Do whatever it takes to get closer to God!
I will do this by studying the Bible every day. I feel at this point to study the New Testament life of Jesus and the early church, not as just a bible reading, but to extract what life relevant jewels I can adapt into my life.
I will also return to daily worship of God. Through continual conversation and deliberate heart changing celebration of the grace and blessings he continually lavishes on me. Making a concerted effort to surround myself with tools that will assist me in this.
I will daily search for ways that my life can reflect the love God has for me and find creative fresh ways to relay it to those around me.
I realize that I cannot accomplish this on my own. And that to even to begin to attempt this will result in me being at the same place I am now… dry, thirsty, worn-out, frustrated and disillusioned. I need to actively seek help from the Holy Spirit and those around me. I must be open to constructive criticism, not be crushed by it. I must understand that constructive criticism is meant to cut out the dead parts of my heart so that life can again replace it.
I must continually grow in the knowledge that I am most content and fulfilled when I am growing and touching others in some way. To hide myself only brings death to my spirit.
I want to grow, I want to live, I want more….. I strive to experience ALL that I am created for. Letting go of what is behind so that I can press on toward the mark of the high calling in My Christ Jesus!