WEEK 1, Romans 1-4 / DAY 2, Reflection Question
Paul has just shared how people descend into a dark, sinful and debased state when they reject the righteousness of God. He then declares how the Gospel is Good news because God offers that righteousness to unrighteous people people who accept it solely by faith. Paige made an interesting statement in that often for us today, the good news for us about the gospel is the usefulness of God and not so much the righteousness of God. That gave me pause, and quickly I recognized the truth in that for myself. So, I wanted to have some discussion about one of the reflection questions -- even though it may be uncomfortable strive to be as honest with your answers as possible:
- Can you detect in yourself any "tonic" approach to Jesus?
- What do you most readily look to Christ for?
- What are you most eager for Him to do for you?
- What needs prompt your immediate prayers?
- Is there anything wrong with the "tonic" approach? If so, what?
I am guilty of the tonic approach in the worst ways. My sword of the spirit can get pretty covered in dust and buried under papers needing "more immediate" attention. Sunday mornings I have to dig through a pile to get to it. I know I should be in His word more often. I know I should be committing more of what He says to memory. My life is busy though, and worldly priorities (the idols that I serve included) take precedence over my spiritual livelihood. In my prayers, it is pretty much a laundry list of what I need Him to do, fix, and restore. Not wanting to get to the list too fast in my prayer time, I can struggle to list praises and thanksgivings and have to resort to a few of the "old standards" in my repertoire. When life is uncomfortable, the tonic use is in full force. I have missed the mark in my tonic approach. My approach should be on my unrighteousness and God's gift of righteousness. My prayers should be aimed more at the target of making me more like Jesus. I should be ready to have God examine me with his spirit, and strengthen me to make changes. What parts of me are not tainted with ungodliness? None of them. Instead of a tonic to treat my symptoms, I should be looking for a power that transforms every part of me into something that is righteous, and without shadow. Instead of tonic, I need surgery, and a spiritual DNA transplant. I need the righteousness of God to fill all the UnGod places in me. The truth is, if I redirected my approach in this way, I would be in less need of a tonic. My relationship with God would be better, and I would be more in his will than in my own broken and tarnished will. But more important than all of that, is that I would better reflect the perfect God of the universe, and be a beacon of hope to others.
Now, how do those questions probe your lives?
I for sure feel like I deal with a "tonic" approach to Jesus. I am getting better about it but I had recently figured out that I actually deal with anxiety etc and I have found myself calling on Jesus during those times or times of sickness etc. I am learning to talk to Him all throughout the day. I struggle BIG time with picking up a Bible and actually reading. I prefer devotions etc because I struggle sometimes comprehending the Bible to its fullest BUT I do not grow deeper in Christ this way. I read Scripture when its convenient or for a Bible study etc. I almost always look to Christ in times of crisis. Again, I am learning to look to Him ALL the time. We are working in our family prayer time to call out things we are thankful and blessed for. We are also working on praying specifically for others. It then takes the focus off of us and allows for a thankfulness deep down when praying for others. Lately, I have been eager for God to REALLY and truly do a work through me. I want to be the light that He intends for me to be, the encouragement others NEED! My immediate prayer is prompted by the desire to want to live my life fully and completely for Christ! To NOT hold back! To NOT be fearful! To be a woman of God in my words and actions! This has been my hearts cry more recently! I feel the tonic approach can be dangerous only because we should ALWAYS talk to God, be in His word, ministering to others etc and if we only go to God in "times of need" or when we want something then are we fully living our lives for God? Or am I using Him when its convenient for me or when sickness comes and we want healing etc? I hope all this makes sense lol sometimes I am not as good on typing things out! I pray we all can benefit from this Bible study and truly learn and grow and become more like Christ :-)
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