“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”- Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
In Chapter 5 (“Following Jesus or Following the Rules”) of Not a Fan, author Kyle Idleman tells the story of tennis champion Andre Agassi. Andre hated tennis for most of his career because his dad chose that profession for Andre before he was born. Consequently, because Andre had never chosen tennis for himself, it never was his. He had no love for the sport. His “love” was imposed from the outside. It never came from within.
To be authentic witnesses of Christ following our ministry downsizing or vocation loss, our faith must radiate from within, as Pastor Idleman states:
“When we learn to truly follow Jesus, we find that obedience to God comes from the inside out. Submission to what God wans for our lives flows naturally out of that relationship. It’s not to say that what we do or don’t do doesn’t matter, but what we do or don’t do must come from who we are as followers of Jesus.”
As the author concludes, when our relationship with Jesus is right inside our hearts, the outside will follow.
Today’s question: During your desert, transition time, what has helped you to grow your relationship with Jesus from the inside out? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “You’re in my way!”