Observation: As Paul is closing his letter to the Romans, he gives this instruction about believers relating to each other ... that there is a responsibility to simply build up and please each other, even those who are weak in their faith. We are to put up with each other, and even to the point of knowing that insults that fall on us may be handed over to the Lord. Jesus understood that insults directed at him were actually out of a misunderstanding of the Lord, and thus were born from weak faith and not personal animosity.
Application: I find I have returned from vacation in a ... cloud. Once again, I feel lost and directionless in my daily life. I don't see any purpose in what I am doing, except that it funds the pastimes I want to do. there is no eternal objective, and little earthly objective. I cannot find personal fulfillment, but worse is that I cannot conceive what would bring such fulfillment.
Paul teaches that I should bear everything from personal insult to daily burdens in order to please and build up others. Is that my purpose? Am I doing the things I am doing simply to make others feel fulfilled? I indeed know there is an element of truth in that question, for the Lord has shown me that my daily walk should involve giving others the chance to feel better about themselves.
Truly, depression comes when I think life is about what I am doing, only to find emptiness in my current work. My life will be full of insults, scorn, and pointless work. None of that matters next to how I can help others discover the joy of Jesus Christ. Maybe I'll still be a bit depressed by my daily activity, but I can find comfort in the love of God.
Prayer: Lord, Abba, my father in heaven, please hold me in your hands today. I am empty, but for all the wrong reasons. I desire to be filled, so I may then be emptied into your good work. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment