It has become my mantra of sorts…
“If what I teach does not invade and transform the moments of my own life then I am missing the point.” ~lara williams
If what I teach only graces my lips in front of a group of ladies and never affects how I “work out my own salvation,” then I’m missing it. I’m missing the abundance rightfully mine in Christ.
It’s like when if I were to grab a toy out of my kids’ hands while saying, “Don’t grab toys from people!” Then, yeah. Somewhere we have a breakdown.
He wants freedom for us. He desires we live the fullest life. He sent his own son to die an excruciating, humiliating death to redeem us, while we were still his enemies. He loves us beyond all human reason. And he graciously guides and pierces through his sweet word.
Studying his word is crucial, necessary, and right. Edifying others with his word is our call. But if his word isn’t meeting us in our own moments with our kids, or affecting how we treat our husbands, or challenging us beyond our comfort zones, then we are missing its power to heal and transform our own lives. We’re missing the point.
Let’s just be really real. We are all on this journey. We are all in process. We all speak out of our selfishness at times and react in our flesh. We all need his grace and mercy to fall on us. But none of us have to stay where we are. In Christ, the old is gone and he has new things — freedom things — for us to experience.
Pray with me that he will reveal areas of discrepancy in our daily living. That he will open our eyes to things that need purging. Let’s dare to ask him to show us, through his word and through his Spirit, places that need his touch.
Sending love to you, friends.
How do you stay diligent, allowing his word to invade your own daily moments?
How have you struggled with the discrepancy?
Beautiful Lara!
Thanks! Love your new profile picture. :)
“But if his word isn’t meeting us in our own moments with our kids, or affecting how we treat our husbands, or challenging us beyond our comfort zones, then we are missing its power to heal and transform our own lives. We’re missing the point.”
Yes! I think it has much to do with our posture when we come to, and leave from the Word. Needs to be all about Jesus, and Him glorified! If I am leaving the Word with no thought of how it affects my days…well, there is not much room for Him to be glorified in that!
I think it helps if we don’t ignore His gentle leading and His conviction. He said He’s near the broken and contrite. The work He does in our heart is genuine when we have genuine repentance. My parents always taught me godly sorrow is a good thing. (And this comment will be oh so popular.) I believe this very much though and have learned to embrace the times of brokenness. He was broken for us, we can be broken because we love Him, too.
You know, Kelly, I was just thinking something similar this morning. It’s the moment by moment leading and prompting. If we will obey in the moments then blessing follows. Just today I had something on my mind that I “needed” to do but I sensed him saying to “not now.” So, after a minute of almost doing the very thing he said “not now” to, I finally obeyed. And the stress was lifted. He is so faithful if we will only listen.
Great post, Lara. Sometimes I think it’s the little day-to-day stuff that is the hardest.
It’s easy to praise and worship at church, but what about at home? When the dryer keeps buzzing and nobody is getting up to get it? Or the dishes need washing and I’m tired? On and on. That’s where my theology must be solid. Am I willing to be a slave or not? Do I understand that I can glorify God in even the smallest of things, if my motives are right?
Thanks for encouraging us to seek him in our everyday.
“Let’s just be really real. We are all on this journey. We are all in process. We all speak out of our selfishness at times and react in our flesh. We all need his grace and mercy to fall on us. But none of us have to stay where we are. In Christ, the old is gone and he has new things — freedom things — for us to experience.”
So true! Had this conversation with a young couple earlier in the week!I so wish I could (more often than not) respond as the NEW creation I am, instead of the old flesh man Christ rescued me from! Certainly a growing process… sanctification! More and more like Christ each day should be every Christian disciple’s goal!
As always, so blessed by your blog. :)
Great post, Lara. Thank you for these “so true” words. He is gentle to guide and redirect us. So gracious. So gentle. Thank you for encouraging me to run this race with endurance, faithful friend.