ScottA
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- Feb 24, 2011
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Ah, I think I am beginning to understand the dilemma.The question is what the real dedication would look like, so it was a given from the start that it would not include counterfeit works, LoL.
We may just be getting lost in terms. For me personally, I've never had any reservations about serving God. I am sold out to Him, and have been for decades. It is continual obedience to a fully sacrificed life that I've always struggled with.
Think of it this way: Whereas holding onto the world would be like reserving a drink in a cup (not wanting to throw it out and make room for something else), so too are some Christians still holding on to worldly things and worldly practices. For me, the worldly doesn't really hold much value, and I would gladly give up the worldly entertainments that I still engage in (watching sports, for instance). But seeing as how I designed my life, and this includes my work life, so that I can give 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to spending time with God, this has created a sort of vacuum in my life; a void that He has not yet filled completely and totally with Himself.
I can empty the cup easily. I just can't fill it completely and totally with what I want yet.
Just to get the works thing out of the way first... Works simply cannot be the measure of obedience or dedication to the Lord, from an observation standpoint. As such, it does not help in considering this issue.
As for emptying out the things of the world in order to be filled with the things of the Lord, it is a good thought, but a bad idea. Or rather, I should say...it is fine to empty out the things of the world and pray and invite the Lord to fill in; but it is not a good idea to empty out those things of the world which the Lord has made manifest for a purpose (His purpose). He has us where we are for a reason. Better to look for and ask for knowledge of that purpose, and then do that as unto the Lord, while considering the rest of life to be the means and provision which He has provided for just such a time and purpose, even if it seems it is by the work of your own hands. It's not.
That all sounds less like a lack of fullness, and more like a lack of fulfillment...which can only come by revelation. Ask for it. Be patient. Meanwhile, do not go about empty, but enjoy the full experience that He has made manifest...which He does by His own hand. Receive it to the full. It that means work, then work; if rest, then rest; if to dance...then dance.
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