“The grace of significance liberates me from the need to hurry.”- John Ortberg
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.”- Psalm 23:2-3
Today John Ortberg discusses the third movement in The Cycle of Grace, Significance. He notes that Jesus had a clear understanding about the significance of His life, often described in “I AM” statements: I am the bread of life; I am the Good Shepherd. Jesus also stated the significance of His followers with “You are . . .” statements: You are the light of the world. You are the salt of the earth.
Pastor Ortberg adds that The Grace of Significance involves grace flowing into as well as through us and out to benefit others. We need to know who we are apart from our accomplishments or reputation. John states: “Significance is about who we are before it is about what we do.”
John also emphasizes that the grace of significance frees us from the need to hurry, which is different than being busy. Being busy is physically demanding and reminds us of our need for God. Hurry is spiritually draining and causes us to be unavailable to God.
Solitude is the space where we find rest and healing for our souls. Solitude is not about what we’re going to do, but about what we’re not going to do. The question is, “Do we have the capacity to do nothing?”
Today’s question: What have you found effective in providing rest and healing for your soul? Please share.
Coming Monday: the new Short Meditation- “Don’t strike out!”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Achievement- bearing fruit”
