Straining

Read an article about people who were told they couldn't do something, and it was something they really wanted. So they fought for what they wanted. Never gave up. Some of them for years, decades. In the end they were successful, and their stories were really inspirational. Honestly. They pressed in, straining and fighting, grunting, groaning. And the things they got were good things. Medical breakthroughs. Lofty careers. Honors. (Now don't get religious on me here) Piles of crap - if compared to the things that are REALLY important.

Like what?

Like knowing Jesus. Really. All the other stuff, which is good, fine, wonderful stuff. I'm not trying to say things in life are worthless. I'm only trying to say that in comparison to Jesus, they're like a pile of crap. That only shows how great Jesus really is. As a matter of fact, he said that pursuing his kingdom (read: a relationship with him that is so meaningful that it consumes you to the point that you continually adjust your life so that you will know him, his wishes, his dreams and goals - his kingdom) . . . where was I? Oh yeah, pursuing his kingdom is like a guy who really knows his pearls, and he finds one so wonderful that he sells EVERYTHING HE HAS so he can obtain that pearl. It's that good. Do we have any idea how awesome he is?

If we did, we would pursue the kingdom. Now I'd suggest you forget a lot of what you've learned about law, because we've gotten the idea that we aren't allowed to do anything or it will be law. True enough if you're talking about earning something. But when it comes to reaching a goal, winning a prize, getting first place, earning a big paycheck, winning a girl, we know that the more we want something, the more we're willing to put in to it to obtain it. The better the prize, the more we're willing to pay.

So what are you going to do?? How hard are you willing to press in to win Jesus? How much time will you spend getting to know him? What kind of goals will you set?

What do you think it will take?

I'll tell you this. I know it takes effort. That's my whole point. And it will take discipline, and goalsetting, and time management, and self control, and butt kicking, and risk taking, and faith.