We'd have way more inner peace if we didn't bother with the scuttlebutt of others, 'cause that's none of our concern. How can we stick our noses in other people's business, look for unnecessary distractions, rarely take time for self-reflection, and then expect to live a peaceful life?
Blessed are the folks with simple hearts—they're the ones soaking in loads of peace.
Ever wonder why some saints of old were so pure and contemplative? Well, it's likely because they worked hard to kill off all their worldly desires and totally connect with God. By doing so, they gave God their heart and were able to focus their thoughts.
Meanwhile, we're caught up in our own whims and vices, totally absorbed in fleeting things. We find it challenging to kick even one bad habit completely before we forget our daily efforts to improve on things each day. That's why we stay cold and indifferent. If we could just perfect our self-discipline and keep distractions out, we'd appreciate spiritual things and maybe catch a glimpse of heavenly contemplation. The old laguage of “dying to ourselves’ is apt in regards to this battle.
The only thing standing in our way is our attachment to passions and lusts, and our failure to follow the awesome example set by great saints. So, when a little difficulty comes our way, don’t quickly get down and turn to human comforts. But face challenges with bravery and allow the Lord's heavenly support (grace) to have our backs. He gives us the chance to fight for victory and He is ready to help those who stick with it and trust in His grace.
Relying only on the external aspects of religious life like simply going to church or joining a small group (all by themselves) won't get us far in our devotion. Let's get to the root of our problems, chop them down, and enjoy peace of mind (Matthew 3:10)
If we tackled just one bad habit each year, we'd be rocking the ‘perfecting’ game over the steady march of time. Sadly, it often goes the other way—we remember how we felt more pure and devoted to God right after becoming a Christian than we do after years of practicing our faith. Our dedication and progress (sancitfication) should be on the rise each and every day, but nowadays it's considered a win if someone simply hangs on to even a morsel of their faith til the end.
Imagine if we put in a little effort from the get-go, everything else would be joyously easier! Breaking old habits is tough, but going against our own will is even harder. If you don't conquer the small stuff, how will you handle the big challenges? Resist temptations early on, and ditch those bad habits before they lead to even worse ones. And seriously, think about the peace a Godly life brings to you and the joy it spreads to others. That's what should really be on your mind when it comes to spiritual progress.
Illustrative story: The History of New Year's Resolutions: In 1740, the English clergyman John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service, most commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Also known as Night Watch Services, they included readings from Scriptures and hymn singing and served as a spiritual alternative to the raucous celebrations normally held to celebrate the coming of the New Year. Now popular within evangelical Protestant churches, especially African American denominations, and congregations, Watch Night Services held on New Year’s Eve are often spent praying and making resolutions for the coming year.
And here is the typical Covenant prayer that accompanies it:
I’m no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low by thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Creator, Christ, and Spirit, Thou art mine and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it be ratified in the eternal. Amen
Text: Mathew 3:10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (NIV)
