The World's Misconceptions

I'm going to do my best to put the discombobulated thoughts in my head into some coherent, hopefully not too rambling, commentary.

I think the world's ideas (and by this I am including many, if not most, Christians) of God is tremendously distorted in many ways. I want to really look at two of these in this post. These are two concepts that God has revealed to me that I have been one who has distorted them.

1) The first is "What is God's will for my life?" I have been very guilty of asking this, praying about this, and even studying various titles in an attempt to answer this exact question. However, Blackabay, Blackabay, and King, in Experiencing God, say this is not the right question. The say the "right" question is "What is God's will?" I'm not one to take Biblical commentary as gospel, so I really didn't take much from this at first reading. I did, however, note that it was contrary to many other titles and studies. After continuing in the study for more than a week now, the original question is extremely self focused. It takes the importance away from God and redirects it to oneself. No wonder I am much more comfortable with that question.

As I begin to meditate on the question "What is God's will?," it requires that I look outside of myself. It becomes very clear how it all ties in with being a servant to others, seeing God at work, and humbling oneself...literally, becoming "the least of these." This is a hard one and I don't expect a change in myself over night. I think this means "dying to self" on a daily basis.

2) The second "distorted" belief comes in Day 3 with the idea of being a servant. I have been mulling around "Christian service" for 6 months or more now. Janie mentions it often, Richard has asked Tim for a list of service opportunities within the schools.... I, at times, would feel guilty because of my apparent lack of service when compared to others.

Several things have occurred to me today:
A. I know that I canNOT compare myself to others. God did NOT create me to be like, Janie, or Michelle, or anyone else, for that matter. He created me for the work He has prepared for ME! If I go back to that first of idea of "What is God's will?," then I know that if I seek after His will, I will adjust my life for that work.

B. "Don't just do something. Stand there!" This really is the distorted idea of Day 3. It is direct opposition to the phrase "Don't just stand there; do something!" I think the idea of servanthood is many times phrased with the second word choice. In reality, though, if you're relationship with God, the Father, isn't right, then doing something may not be what God wants, approves of, or even leads in.

So, what do I take from all of this. I was really worried that I wasn't "serving" enough. It isn't it a contest, or a checklist. God put Treehouse on our hearts and I feel led to serve there. I do miss corporate worship, but know at this season in my life, I'm doing what God is leading me to do. And, in that, I am being obedient. I, also, have realized that sometimes God is not calling me to serve...He's SCREAMING at me to come to Him, to be silent, to listen, and to do nothing!