There IS Hope!
I have the malady Bill Hybel’s book would describe, “Holy Discontent”. The negative daily news that once seemed more distant and detached now seems ever closer to home. You know that I don’t need to go over the details; though each person has their own unique set of circumstances, you also may be feeling the ever-constricting pressures of the world squeezing you to conform into its mold. Like the gift-melons in Japan that are forced into a stacking shape for convenience, you and I are oh-so-subtlely pressured to comply with the world’s standards.
Yet Christians are called-out to be “inconvenient”, operating by a biblical paradigm rather than the world’s: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
So, although I am content with many of my circumstances, I am also “discontent” with the way things are:
I am discontent with my relationships, recognizing that I am not nearly as bold as I need to be about introducing others to my best friend, Jesus Christ. Can I be so in tune with His leading that introducing Him to them would be almost “natural”?
I am discontent with our church, recognizing that though we exhibit strong bible-based values and family fellowship, we can still grow in so many ways! Can I be an encouragement to them in their walk and a catalyst for mutual growth?
I am discontent with where I am spiritually, recognizing that conformity into the image of Christ and my love for Him is seriously lacking! Can I prioritize my day in such a way that my love for my Savior is obvious to both Him and the world?
I am discontent with the world’s definition of “marriage” and “modern family”, recognizing that it only breeds a lack of stability and self-sacrifice. I realize that as imperfect as I am, our family needs to be a model to the world that there is hope!
Though we are called to understand and communicate with an ever-changing world, to be “in the world, but not of it” (based on John 17:16), we are also told to be active participants in it, even to “snatch others from the fire and save them” (Jude 1:23). That is “Holy Discontent” – the feeling that there’s something you just can’t stand to see! The concept here is that though the world will never be fully redeemed apart from the Final Judgment Day of God, we CAN be God’s vessels for changing individuals who will in turn impact aspects of our world!
There IS Hope, and here’s why: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) The Bible’s definition of “Faith” is all about trust in the most trustworthy Person possible! 1 Cor 1:9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1Thess 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. He has done, and will do His part, so we must do ours! Let His “life be at work in you”! (2 Cor 4:12)
Holy Discontent leads to Prayer and MORE spiritual discontent, which leads to action into personal life change, which begins to make serious impact in our world! Join us in it!