If I tell you to close your eyes and tell me what you think about when I say the phrase “end of the school year,” most likely your mind pondered on:
- A dirty room and car, turning in assignments late, being overly caffeinated
- Attempting to get all the extra credit possible, wishing of more sleep, barely making it through the day
- Not taking anything, anyone, or yourself seriously
- Having a 3.5 or above GPA, celebrating with your friends, and getting prepared for graduation
There are some people that stay on top of things, schedule their every move, and succeed in multiple areas of their life easily, or so it appears. Meanwhile, there is a few of us, that as we become consistent and have built up a momentum, we slowly get distracted and all of a sudden, BAM. What happened?! Everything is running behind.
When I began the school year, I slowly had to transition back into that “student” mindset because after graduation, classes and homework are the last things to think about. First and second quarters were fairly nice. But once I got to third quarter, my schedule and mind was affected. I began to slack off in some of my work and be as attentive as I was in the first two quarters. As much as I wanted to blame others, my job, etc., it was truly my fault. I had to be woken up, just a bit to see what was going on with me for a while.
Last week, as I randomly woke up during the night to change my sleeping position, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Lethargy is trying to take you out.” I didn’t think much about it, so I went to sleep. But as soon as I woke up in the morning, I realized what this lethargic habit was doing to me.
In my devotional time, multiple times of me being lazy and nonchalant came to mind. From not working out on a regular basis, to having my off-campus classes behind schedule, I was immediately aware that I was being lethargic for a while.
I had to repent. I had to change how I thought and I had to ask the Lord to renew me. And He has.
Yesterday, I was reminded to this scripture. It is of Jesus speaking to the Pharisees (the religious, thinking they know it all people) about prayer. In previous scriptures, He emphasizes that they prayed in public settings to appear close to God, but in reality, the ones close to God begin their prayer at home.
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6 (MSG)
After reading this passage, I was reminded that I needed to slow down, and just seek God honestly and simply. And not just that, but to JUST BE in His presence, to JUST BE honest and vulnerable, to JUST BE broken and admitting my weaknesses, fears, and even my prideful perspective, to JUST BE who Jesus designed me to be, to JUST BE loved by Him. As believers we can get in a religious schedule, like the Pharisees, doing what we have been taught. Do not get me wrong, we are supposed to do those things, but not just out a habit. It should be done out of the willingness of the heart.
We make Christianity to much harder than it is because most of the time, we get in the way, “role-playing” what we think we should be doing. In reality, God wants us the way we are. Mad, sad, disappointed, joyful, amazed, surprised, etc.
This is just an encouragement to you, and to myself. You do not have to pretend to have it all together. You do not have to entertain God with your attempts of being a good Christian. We are saved by grace through faith, not through our works. This faith should empower us to walk in His ways, and the other way around. Clearly, I haven’t had my habits in a perfect path in a while and I had to be awakened from this lethargy. I cannot be lethargic when there is a purpose I am called to fulfill. It will distract me, slow me down, and people are not reached because of my ignorance. There is more to be done in the Kingdom of Jesus. Same for you! Get moving in faith, but even before that, JUST BE honest with God and repent. Ask Him to show you what your purpose is, what He wants you to do NOW, and JUST BE. And even if you do have it all together, I am pretty sure there is an area where God is the only One that can sustain, like the air we breathe. We are all to be humble and humility is a choice. Do not let this religious perspective (being full of ourselves) keep you from Jesus filling your heart. JUST BE real. Keep it 100 and let’s move forward.
#LiveLimitless || Tima G. ❤
