my goal:
"God's work is ever characterized by calmness and dignity." -Selected Messages
however:
"The Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings.
"Some have no firmness of character. Their plans and purposes have no definite form and consistency. They are of but little practical use in the world. This weakness, indecision, and inefficiency should be overcome. There is in true Christian character an indomitableness that cannot be molded or subdued by adverse circumstances. We must have moral backbone, an integrity that cannot be flattered, bribed, or terrified.
"God has given us ability, to think and to act, and it is by acting with carefulness, looking to Him for wisdom that you will become capable of bearing burdens. Stand in your God-given personality. Be no other person's shadow. Expect that the Lord will work in and by and through you.
"The same spirit and principles that one brings into the daily labor will be brought into the whole life. Those who desire a fixed amount to do and a fixed salary, and who wish to prove an exact fit without the trouble of adaptation or training, are not the ones whom God calls to work in His cause. Those who study how to give as little as possible of their physical, mental, and moral power are not the workers upon whom He can pour out abundant blessings. Their example is contagious. Self-interest is the ruling motive. Those who need to be watched and who work only as every duty is specified to them, are not the ones who will be pronounced good and faithful. Workers are needed who manifest energy, integrity, diligence, those who are willing to do anything that needs to be done." -Ministry of Healing
2 comments:
I must say that I have seen you live out this balance in your ministry at Camp Cherokee - Your witness is an inspiration to the staff that you work with and you have been a valuable role model to your campers.
There is always room to become more like Christ and thus to radiate his love more fully, it also will not always be easy to maintain the ground we have gained... but I think you have met this goal to a great degree.
Continue to share the wealth!
I like your backbone Christy! and appreciate your genuine and unique perspective! Certainly no spiritual scoliosis ;)
Thanks for inspiring me!
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one recieves the prize. Run in such a way as to obtain it."
....hmmm, I'm always puzzling over how to balance strength and meekness. It is easy for strength to slide down the slippery slope of self-reliance.
God's strength is so very different than mine.
"His strength is perfect when our strenth is gone, He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in His power the weak become strong."
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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