A Self-Starter

It seems lately that in order for me to write, I have to hear, see, or touch something inspiring.  My lack of “worthy” subject matter in recent weeks is an indication of my less than positive perspective, rather than a lack-of stimulating material.  This same apathetic attitude can and has been adopted by each of us from time to time in our respective spiritual walks.  How many times have we each experienced a lull in our prayer-life, devotional time and overall service to others due to what can best be described as a lack of motivation?  There is something I find extremely valuable in the workforce as a manager, and that is a self-starter.  One who does not need constant direction and is consistently in pursuit of an area of need in order to eliminate or minimize that need.  Although it is clearly and explicitly stated throughout scripture, that God loves and expects our dependency on Him.  He may be just as pleased if not more, when we move, take a step, or launch out in some areas without a strong Divine prodding.  It is clear that as we mature, there should be a systematic elimination of reminders to take care of ourselves and others.  In fact, every parent I know takes great delight in eliminating these kinds of rudimentary directives as their children grow.  Reminders to brush your teeth, keep your hands to yourself, or not to stick fingers in an electrical socket, are certainly unnecessary as we age.  Likewise, an earth-shattering, goose bump-inducing message from our Creator should not be a requirement to study the Word of God, love and assist our neighbors, or to continue to do the things that we know we were told to do.  Therefore, until I am given a directive to stop writing these blogs, I cannot let myself off the hook, with dismissive notions claiming a lack of inspiration and motivation.  I am actively working on consistently being a self-starter in both the secular and spiritual areas of life.  Will you join me? 

REDIRECTED… by “The Switch”

Recently, I began to hum an old song sung by Tremaine Hawkins and recently released by Chrystal Rucker entitled “Changed.” After a brief musical introduction, the psalmist begins the song by expressing the following: “A change, a change has come over me…” I began to think about the concept of change in the life of the believer, and just how we can participate. As I pondered this concept for myself, I began to summarize this process as being REDIRECTED.

“I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes. I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands.” Ps. 119:59-60 NLT

“When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders.”  Ps. 119:59-60 MSG

In my studies and meditation, I came across an interesting natural concept that I think will illuminate some truth for all of us. I have heard it said by individuals who give their lives to the Lord, that a light bulb came on and they were able to see clearly. This is certainly in line with scripture especially throughout the book of St. John in which, Christ is described as Light, able to not only navigate through but also eradicate all darkness. (John 1:4-5; 8:12)

This thought took me deeper into a study of light switches as it relates to the flow of an electrical current. According to many dictionaries, a switch is an electrical component that has the ability to open, close, break or change the connections in an electric circuit. This switch is also able to interrupt the current by diverting it from one conductor to another.

In light of this understanding, allow me to look at these truths within a spiritual framework. Let’s collectively envision The Switch as being representative of God and The Conductor as either the Spirit of Truth or the Spirit of Error. (1 John 4:1-6) Firstly, in order to call ourselves Christians there are a few nonnegotiable items that should be established. The first and most important is a submission of one’s life to the complete authority and dominion of God. If God is truly operating as the Divine Switch in our lives, this means that we have abdicated our power as the decision-maker. We have given God control to govern the flow of our lives continuously, permanently, non-stop and without interruption. If we really were to give an honest estimation of this relationship, we may find that we have relegated God in our lives to play the role of a momentary switch that is temporary, brief, and often interrupted depending on our comfort and perceived need at any given moment. The focus of many Sunday morning sermons is centered on the state of our personal relationship with God and just how much control and/or governance He has in our lives.

Taking this idea a step further, I would like to examine the notion of how our relationships with each other are greatly affected by the level of autonomy and authority we give The Switch in our lives. In each of our lives The Switch has one or more sets of electrical contacts, which are in one of two possible positions either “closed” meaning the contacts are connected and electricity can flow between them, or “open” which means contacts are separated and The Switch is not conducting or is rendered inoperable. By giving The Switch momentary authority in our respective lives, we have opened ourselves up to numerous unholy connections. Being open in this manner, interrupts the heavenly flow of power and direction, and disconnects us from our brothers and sisters, who are dependent upon us for their own healthy conduction and movement in the earth. To make this idea perfectly clear, our constant and unfettered connection with God and the comforting governance of the Holy Spirit, affects not only our own lives but also the lives of every believer! In addition, when we take control of our own proverbial switch and play the role of God and decision-maker, we leave ourselves open figuratively and literally to the influences of the Spirit of Error and all of the consequences and hindrances that accompany ungodly influences.

This is a lengthy set of thoughts that I know may be a bit too dense to attempt to summarize in this forum, but I thought it so imperative to examine the notion of authority and how a weak connection with God thoroughly affects the body of Christ as eloquently summarized in Ephesians 4:16.

"...from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Take a personal survey and list the areas that you know changed for the glory of God. When was the last time you allowed God to examine the state of your connections not only to Him but others? Have you been redirected; or are you still in control or your every move?