I reread the words I wrote to my past self. I have found myself in the blindness through the confrontation of the truth, of the word of the Lord. And that I need Jesus. I found myself feasting upon the bread of life, upon Scripture. Therein, I allow the crunch of this bread to deeply satisfy my senses. To lift my soul. Bring life to my spirit.
Here it is.
1 Timothy is written as a letter from Paul, the apostle to his spiritual son, Timothy. And if I could count the amount "godliness" is used in this book alone- let me just say its important. Godliness is important to God, to the church, to being the salt and life on this earth, to our communities, to our present life and to eternity. To the Kingdom of Heaven made manifest here on earth.
Ya'll it is important...
As a woman of God in the making, my heart is gripped at this statement.
"A woman should learn in quietness and full submission." How beautifully confrontive this statement is for the glory of God. I wonder just what the hand of God can do to bring a woman to wholeness in Christ when in quietness and full submission. It is in the desperation, the cries of utter anguish that come from my lips drive me to my knees in worship. I have realized there is no life outside of Jesus Christ. Not really. We may be alive, but can you not be dead although living? I proceed to say, I desire to be a woman of contrast. A woman of elegance in my dress, classy in my speech, strong in my role within the Air Force, unshaken in my faith, and thriving in my purity. These things are so incredibly counter cultural. These desires have been founded and supported through my lens of faith in Jesus Christ. And the many desires that have been deeply rooted within me that have yet to see the light of day, my hope is that they spring to life in the light of godliness and holiness and purity through coming to the knowledge of truth. Through the fight for integrity through complete and utter surrender to Jesus, being a woman " worthy of respect, temperate and trustworthy of everything." God, it is yours.
I have chosen to learn in quietness and full submission because I want to produce beautifully ripe fruit through God's miraculous restoration in me. It cannot come through short cuts, or bursts of anger- only in quiet submission to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God sees the things that no one else does.
He calls us to integrity. He calls us to know the love of the father for us. And to pour that love upon others. And to surrender all of us. To literally fling our entire being onto that alter and say "Lord, your will your way. I'm yours." Instead of only emotions being material for sacrifice, I have come to the understanding that ALL of me is material for sacrifice. Not just my emotions, not just my mental health, my grades, my future husband, my family, my thought life, faith, integrity- but Lord have mercy, my entire being and existence is poured out as a living and holy sacrifice for the work of the Kingdom of God in me. And friends this is how the abundant life of Christ is revealed through the sacrificial offering of everything that has been been poured out to us straight from the right hand of God.
And just the same my treasure... may it be found in Heaven, not here. Not in my mind, not in my hand, not in my control- Truly, I brought nothing into being nor can I bring anything after death; my treasure is found in Heaven.
Pouring of wisdom through life with God:
"Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come... and for this we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men and especially of those who believe.
But set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Do not neglect your gift... Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
In conclusion, I hope you read this and in self reflection look upon your life, your doctrine, and the ways in which you are the hands and feet of Jesus. Have you become an example for others in speech, in life, in love and in purity? Godliness holds promise of restoration and the springtime to come in this life and in the eternal life promised. Make your bed in those promises- in His faithfulness through your outpouring of all you have and all you are. You are seen and you are known and you are loved by your creator & know that He is moving on your behalf. May the cries of our hearts as one in life and proclamation say, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil 2:10-11).
"Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory."
"May the Gospel be both confronting and comforting for the glory of God."
~Pastor Darren Whitehead, COTC Franklin
Grace be with you. (uncited quotes came directly from 1 Timothy 1-4, NIV)
Chloe <3
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