Adulting, what is that, you may be asking? The dictionaries definition reads, “the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.”
There are times we all need a break from the mundane activities that fill up our everyday routine, and at times we seem to pile them on ourselves. When we allow Christ to take first place in our lives, we begin to put away the childish things and mature from the inside out. This requires commitment toward the goals that give the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks. Paul in Phil. 3:14 said; “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He may have many times felt disappointed and would’ve given up if he hadn’t had the fortitude that Jesus gave him.
Paul left us with a wealth of encouragement to develop the “Christ Character” this side of heaven if we will decide to press toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Paul knew how important it was to separate the mundane from the necessary tasks, and why his upward call was to share the gospel every time he got the chance. Those are words of encouragement that we all can take to our friends and to the world around us!
I’ve always felt that words are powerful and how we use them can build people up, or tear them down. Deut. 32:1 ESV — “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.” I’m determined to use my words carefully salted with God’s grace, that I believe will help others everyday to seek God’s love, and His wisdom.
We all have had something happen in life that has helped to form the person we’ve become, and most likely that “something” had everything to do with Jesus. We needn’t be like a preacher giving a sermon, but we can share words of encouragement to our friends, neighbors, or relatives. We only need to share a true occurrence from our own lives that has changed, bringing us closer to our own goals. In 2 Tim. 4:2 (ESV) we read “Preach the word; be ready in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and teaching. The complete patience mentioned here, speaks of being patient with ourselves first, and of course with others as well.
Hang Self On The Tree
2 Tim. 2:15 ESV — Do your best to present yourself to God as one “approved”, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Some worry they’re not a “good enough” Christian, or lack God’s approval of speaking on His behalf. I’ve learned that taking self out of the way, is the only way, to follow Him, and only then can others see the Christ in me. Simply as we care and think of others above our own will, and wants, then our own desires will be diminished and relinquished. We’re told to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23 ESV), and follow Christ.
Witnessing God’s Way
All of life’s experiences, after becoming a Christian, add to our very own memories. And when those stored memories are shared with others, the Holy Spirit utilizes them to influence the human mind toward the heavenly goals that God has in store for them. And what’s truly awesome, is the fact that most of the time we’re totally unaware that the Holy Spirit’s version is making its way to the listener’s heart, through our words. In this sense, each Christian becomes God’s living word(s). Our short but sweet testimonial story really can help someone come to know Jesus.
We needn’t be worried about the “approving” part (2 Tim. 2:15), because God does that also, and with His authority we can have the confidence that we need when the time comes to witness for Him. Don’t ever think for one moment that God can’t use your testimony to lighten the load of another person. The exact moment of sharing starts with prayer. Ask others if they have a prayer request, and then take the time to voice, text, or email your prayer about their situation to them. Others like ourselves need to know that God cares, truly wants to be close to them – even in times of hurt(s), with all the unsettled things our lives experience from day to day.
Mature peace
I can’t think of anyone, including myself, who wouldn’t want assurance that God can be trusted, and is in control. And it’s the only way rest can be complete – as all anguish melts away, knowing that there is absolutely nothing too hard for God.
Psalm 19:14 ESV — Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Let’s strive to be good at ‘adulting’ as we mature both in wisdom and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
R. Scott Holder writes on a variety of spiritual topics.
