In case you hadn't noticed, I've decided to stick with blogger. I'm a widget addict, so - here I am. Now back to the important stuff.
I was reading some of the blogs on my blogroll, and I was particularly moved when I watched this video at Sola Dei Gloria. It's a clip from a Paul Washer sermon which really speaks to my heart.
Now, if you've watched this, you'll understand what I am about to say.
Many have argued with me about this, but I stick to my opinion here - We are slaves to Jesus Christ. Many say, "well - we have free will! We choose!" Yes, but when you choose to submit yourself to Jesus, you voluntarily become a slave to Him. After that point, your life is no longer your own. I've been thinking about this a lot, and have to study a bit about it - but let me ask you this;
Are you a slave? Do you submit every thought, every action to the Lord?
How many movies would you watch if you asked Jesus first "Hey, do you want me to see this?" How many would you have to throw out? How many CD's would you have to get rid of if you honestly went through your collection? How many books, websites, and places would you no longer visit? Do you run every decision through the Jesus filter? This was my whole thought process when I started this blog. Every thing I do, think and say needs to be filtered through scripture. It's a heavy concept - which some may think extreme - but, how can you truly say you give your life to the Lord, if you hold back half of it from Him?
I'm not perfect (obviously), I do this all the time - watch a movie that contains pre-marital sex, listen to a song that advocates provocativeness, and read books that are clearly anti-God. All in the name of entertainment.
I think thoughts that are bitter and cruel. I snap at my son, and ridicule my fiancee. I argue with my mother, and gossip about my sister.
How much suffering do we have to bring upon ourselves before we get it?
Live as a slave to Jesus Christ - and in doing so, you will be be truly free.
Free As Slaves
Posted by Lorikate at 1:14 PM
Friday, September 19, 2008
Labels: Jesus, Paul Washer
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8 comments:
Again, the Paul Washer video clip brought tears of conviction, as well as your blog of transparency.
Someone once said to me, "If you do THAT (make the Bible your standard for every thought, word & deed) then you couldn't think or DO anything!"
Maybe modern culture-wise. But God has placed, even within our culture, entertainment blessings to choose from, so that after a good days work of earning enough (. . . and to share :). . . there's still books, music, videos, etc. that will warm your heart and inspire love and devotion to God and family.
God bless this Jesus Filter blog AND concept. Thank you for this challenge, for none have ever yet 'arrived' while in this flesh.
My heart's cry . . . make me a slave, KEEP me a slave.
You said, "Live as a slave to Jesus Christ - and in doing so, you will be be truly free."
I agree. That is all.
My Sweet Hubby and I do try to filter everything through the mesh of our faith in Jesus Christ. For example, there are things on TV we no longer watch because we felt they were "on the edge."
That was a great video, LoriKate...thanks for posting it!
I do agree that we need to filter all that we do by asking if this brings glory and honor to Him. Here's my thoughts on the "being a slave idea". While I understand and appreciate the spirit and motivation behind your rationale, I must ask you wouldn't it be better to look ourselves as sons and daughters of God that long to please our Father rather than a slave? Jesus always refers to God as His Father and never refers to Himself as a slave . . . always a Son. His intent was to always please the Father and obey Him. He said I do nothing of my own initiative. That's what I want to do . . . be so in tune with God that I only do what He wants -- as His Son. I want to be one who wants to please my Father.
Some might argue that we are simply talking semantics here but I do see a big difference. I want my children to love, honor and respect me. I want them to consider what would please me when they make their decisions. I want them to do that because they are my children, not a slave to me or to our relationship. Some might say that this idea is different but I see the illustration as worthy of merit.
I am not attacking your viewpoint, only wishing to look at it from a different angle. From reading your blog I would say that we differ on some issues but you do cause me to think and evaluate. I appreciate it. Blessings to you.
I guess I'm coming from a different perspective. Willing slavery is different than forced slavery. We are all slaves of something. Slaves of our emotions, our desires, our flesh.
If I had a master that truly loved me, gave me gifts and treated me well - I would have no problem handing him my total devotion - and loving him with all my heart. And that's just what we do as Christians. I know beyond a doubt that my Master loves me. I am perfectly happy to submit to Him - because I know He has my best interests at heart. Just a different angle.
I do think that nowadays, the world is so intent on proving "self-worth", and individuality - that we forget who we really belong to. Once we make the decision to follow Christ, we no longer belong to ourselves. We're supposed to WANT to surrender our will to Him.
I never have any problem with someone differing with my point of view, and I never said anyone had to agree with me 100%. Most of my posts are geared towards the people that take such things to extremes. So feel free to argue anytime. God Bless!
Man, excellent words and something that I've thought of on several occasions! I agree that we are slaves to Christ, but wouldn't we rather be that then be slaves to sin? I think we need to filter everything that we see, hear, watch and say through scripture, so that we can be that what we are saying is truth. Good call on this!
Hi, there... so you stuck w/ Blogger huh?
Anyhoo, I am quite glad to say -- I am a slave of the LORD Jesus Christ! Who else do I know who is the PERFECT ONE to judge me, give me justice, discipline me, guide me, teach me, give me peace (not like the world's peace), joy, wisdom, compassion, humility, and on and on... the LORD Jesus Christ is my author and finisher... everything I have is HIS... he blesses me with them, loans me my breath, wakes me from sleep...
HE really does own me. But I give myself to HIM willingly and in humility and reverence and thanks. In Christ Jesus, though I say I am HIS slave, is true freedom. For who the Son sets free is free indeed.
My LORD and GOD is the most compassionate, merciful and gracious GOD. HIS children are not oppressed... and I cling to HIS WILL and WAY. I am shackled and chained to Jesus Christ and I will never be the one (I pray, O LORD) to sever the bond.
...Just wanted to boast a bit about my LORD.
Lavrai,
Well said!! Much better put than me. :)
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