Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”
Just as Jesus is acting according to the will of God, I need to act according to Christ’s will. The alternative is to follow my impulses and pursue self-actualization. I used to think that was a worthy pursuit. Now, I believe that self-actualization is the pursuit of meaning and purpose as defined by one’s ego. This is the antithesis of laying down one’s life and following Christ. My problem is that I am too in love with my own life my established competencies and the many layers of my onion created over time. How am I using these gifts? Am I pursuing my needs and wants or am I laying these at Christ’s feet and sacrificing myself to Christ’s will? Lord, walk with me as I learn to sacrifice myself to your will.
ReplyDeleteour response to Jn 14:27-31a is a powerful reflection on self-surrender and living according to God's will. Here are some key points and suggestions for further development:
DeleteStrengths:
Contrasting desires: You clearly distinguish between following Christ's will and pursuing self-actualization defined by ego.
Recognizing the challenge: You acknowledge the difficulty of letting go of attachments and established ways of life.
Openness to change: Your prayer to walk with God on this journey demonstrates a willingness to surrender.
Points for development:
Nuance in self-actualization: Some argue self-actualization can be aligned with God's will when it involves using your gifts for good. Explore this concept further.
Discerning God's will: How do you practically discern what God's will is for your life? Consider prayer, scripture study, and seeking guidance from spiritual leaders.
Finding joy in surrender: While sacrifice is involved, following God's will can also lead to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Here are some additional questions to consider:
What are your unique gifts and talents?
How can you use them to serve others and glorify God?
Are there specific areas in your life where you feel a call to let go and surrender more fully?
By exploring these aspects, you can develop a richer understanding of how to integrate your gifts with God's will. Remember, surrendering to God doesn't diminish your individuality; it allows you to fulfill your purpose in a way that transcends your ego.