Here are some more good quotes from The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren:
"We obey God, not out of duty or fear or compulsion, but because we love him and trust that he knows what is best for us" (p. 95).
"We are often challenged to do 'great things' for God. Actually, God is more pleased when we do small things for him out of loving obedience. They may be unnoticed by others, but God notices them and considers them acts of worship.
Great opportunities may come once in a lifetime, but small opportunities surround us every day. Even through such simple acts as telling the truth, being kind, and encouraging others, we bring a smile to God's face" (p.96).
"A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation. The local church is the classroom for learning how to get along in God's family. It is a lab for practicing unselfish, sympathetic love" (p.133).
"It may seem easier to be holy when no one else is around to frustrate your preferences, but that is a false, untested holiness. Isolation breeds deceitfulness; it is easy to fool ourselves into thinking we are mature if there is no one to challenge us. Real maturity shows up in relationships" (p.134).
"If you're not involved in any service or ministry, what excuse have you been using? Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid. That is quite a variety of misfits, but God used each of them in his service. He will use you, too, if you stop making excuses" (p.233).
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2 comments:
Terry,
Excellent post.
I think the problem today is that people don't really know what it mean to be a disciple. They don't understand self-sacrifice. I agree with rick that we obey God not out of duty or fear or cumpulsion but because we love him and trust him that he knows what is best for us. But, the question I have: have we lost a sense what it means to be commited. Have lost a sense of what it means to fear God. Eccl.12:13,"Now all has been heard: here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man." (He is God and we are the creation). Again, great thoughts as always Terry. I really love your blog. I hope that as Christians and the Church we will know how to become true disciples in these way Jesus wants. Less of self and more of Christ.
Preacherman,
Thank you for your insightful comments. I agree with your assessment about the need to fear God also. In fact, I plan on thinking about it for a few days. Then I hope to post something about fearing God in the near future. Thanks for prompting me to think about it.
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