Laugh, Learn, Linger and Love: Ignorance Is Not Bliss
Today's Scripture
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God!" Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Real Christians—those growing in their relationship to the Father—gradually mature in their ability to laugh, learn … and lean. Leaning is not something that comes easily to many of us. Our stubborn independence causes us to view leaning as a sign of weakness. However, the Bible makes it clear that leaning is one of the marks of a real Christian.
Real Christians lean away from the conventional wisdom of self-reliance and learn to lean on God and trust in his wisdom and goodness. As we begin to lean on God instead of ourselves, we soon realize that his way is always the best way. Real Christians lean into God's divine purpose. As Christians, our greatest desire should be to accomplish God's purpose in our lives.
Real Christians also lean on each other. Independence is not always admirable; however, interdependence is a biblical principle that carries the idea of mutual dependency. Real Christians understand the value of community.
Consider this …
Are you leaning on God? Are you willing to accept help from other people? Or are you carrying the "I can do it myself" to an extreme?
Remember—real Christians lean!
Prayer
Father, help me to listen to your voice in everything I do. Teach me to accept help from you and from other people you send to me. I pray that pride won't get in my way and I'll be willing to ask for help. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from …
Authentic Living in an Artificial World by Dr. Mike Chapman. This 45-minute group study gives understanding about what it means to be real. The facilitator's guide includes reproducible group member study sheets and an audio CD designed to help facilitators prepare for each session. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.
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