learning where to draw the line

When I stand before the Lord, I'll be standing alone.
This journey is my own.
Still I want man's advice, and I need man's approval, but this journey is my own

Why would I want to live for man and pay the highest price?
What would it mean to gain the world, only to lose my life?
So much of what I do is to make a good impression. This journey is my own.
So much of what I say is to make myself look better. This journey is my own

I have never felt relief like I feel it right now. This journey is my own.
'Cause trying to please the world it was breaking me down, it was breaking me down
Now I live and I breathe for an audience of one,
now I live and I breath for an audience of one.
Now I live and I breathe for an audience of one, 'cause I know this journey is my own

You can live for someone else, and it will only bring you pain.
I can't even judge myself. Only the Lord can say, "Well done."

from the CD Conversations by Sara Groves

I've thought about this song a lot during the last two weeks. I often struggle with where to draw the line between expectations of others, maintaining unity in the body of Christ, and being faithful to who I am as both a person and a daughter of Christ. Many of God's commands are clear-cut: Honor your parents. Don't lie about other people. Keep the Sabbath holy. Don't bow to idols. If you don't work, you don't eat. Those commands are plain and simple, very clear-cut. Other issues are only addressed by principles, leaving believers to hold to a wide variety of principles and standards. And that's where things get sticky for me. But I have to continuously return to the premise that when I stand before God almighty, I won't be giving an account for everyone else. I'll only give an account for me and my life. That simplifies many things, but still leaves a few questions. When am I helping a fellow believer, and when do I cross the line into "enabling" someone to continue a bad habit? How do I discern when to know whether or not to "answer the fool" as Proverbs commands?

As I each day passes, I comprehend more and more why the Scriptures say our hearts are deceitfully wicked and cannot be known. And I've also begun to wonder whether or not the phrase "well done, thy good and faithful servant..." will apply to every believer, or just the ones who deserve it. Do you reckon some might hear "You made it; come on in." or "Not bad; come on in." How horrid would that be?

things we do for love

Saturday we had a baby shower for Bobby's niece. As I was making the mints, Bobby asked what else was on the menu. After I recited off the litany of items, he responded with "No peanut butter?! This shower is for Hannah! What's she going to eat?" (Hannah has had stomach problems over the years and has been unable to tolerate many foods, but peanut butter has been her staple.) Despite my assurances that she would enjoy the foods we were having, he was adamant that I needed to make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for the shower. Even though I protested that NOBODY took that to a shower, he persisted, and informed me I could make them dainty with my little cutter. And so I did. To my surprise all but 3 were eaten. Who'd a thunk it?

fun...funny houses

We saw the above house in Pittsboro while on our way to the mountains. It was the strangest house I've ever seen. Evidently this isn't a modification, for Bobby remembers thinking it funny as a child. Evidently a governor lived here at one point. I think the sign said it's now a Masonic lodge. And if seeing one funny house wasn't enough, the latest issue of This Old House had a link to their website that had several galleries of funny (or strange houses). Here's my favorites from their collection: Szymbark , Poland This just makes me laugh, and I would love to visit this house in person. Created by a designer who wanted to demonstrate "wrong-doings against humanity". Visitors have stood in line for as long as 6 hours to tour the house, and many come out feeling "sea-sick". Kalambaka, Greece... This 1,000 foot cliff drop has housed monastaries since the 11th century. Six of them are open to the public, " assuming, of course, th

perspectives

A few years ago after a Bible study a lot of the group continued to sit and talk and simply relax. One of the ladies felt like she was being mistreated by her boss. She was always given extra tasks or asked to assume responsibilities that no one else was asked to do. She felt it was unfair. As she was listing off some of the extras (she worked in a cafe for a plant), I was in flashback mode. My last year of college I was a shift manager at a fast food place. One of my many duties was to ensure that certain cleaning jobs (extra duties) was assigned and done properly. We were inspected by company headquarters once a quarter, and 3 of their 4 visits was ALWAYS a surprise visit. When I handed out those extra assignments, I had three things in mind: Who will do this job without making a bigger mess? Who can quickly do this job so we don't impede serving customers? Who will do this without the most drama? In essence, I wanted the best person for the job. Use the teenager who griped and c

Lydia said…

I question this a lot too, Monica. How far can we hold a sister accountable? Are we held accountable for her to a certain extent? Or in the case of people that need help but really could be helping themselves....are we enabling when we help them EVEN THOUGH we are to serve one another in love....and the circumstances shouldn't matter? All questions I struggle with:) Thank YOU for YOUR help this past weekend my dear friend- I could not have gotten through without you. I hope you know that.
Love you:)

May 26, 2010 at 7:27 AM

Random Musings

Search This Blog