Continue – Devotion 223 – SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

We often want too many things in life ‘one and done’. We would like to have one day of eating healthy and feel better. We would like one day of exercise to translate into the body we so desire. We would like one time of praying to be all that is needed. To do it once and have it done seems so appealing. But that isn’t at all how we live the Christian life. It is anything but ‘one and done’. It is more like a continual focus on following Christ. It is about falling down (a lot) and then getting back up (also a lot). It is about getting more things wrong than right but know that Christ is with you and still loves you. It is about the slow, methodical rhythm of being in sync with the Creator and not rushing ahead at our own pace. And this all makes it hard.

Jesus tells his followers that as disciples, they must continue in his word. For me, that means it is a process. Jesus wants them to know that just because they are following today doesn’t mean they will get it right tomorrow. Just because they are faithful today doesn’t mean they won’t stumble tomorrow. And there were more than a few examples of this being very true.

Why would we expect any different as followers today? We also have to continually follow Christ by studying his actions, his paths, and his speech. We must hear him instruct us where to go, even if it is found in the instructions of the Bible. Most of the time, that means we block out the noise of all that is going on around us. And even more often, it likely means we are choosing a path that is different than anyone else. Jesus’ path is filled with love and compassion. His path is filled with kindness and help for those who we meet. His path is filled with experiences of non-judgment. Jesus’ path requires a constant focus on him and not on us. May we be continually in his word today, following the footsteps of the One who created footsteps.

Focus Scripture:

John 8:31-32

³¹Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; ³²and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”