When I begin a task or learning some new discipline, I want to do it well. I don't like being mediocre. Nothing wrong with that. But, I have this habit of not cutting myself any slack. Over time it can become burdensome. This applies to the spiritual life, as well. Many years ago when we embarked on the discipleship model church and embraced the six marks of discipleship, some people felt like it was too much work. The intent of the six marks of discipleship is to help school us in the life of faith in Jesus Christ so that we can grow in maturity and faithfulness. But it is easy for the practice to slip over into a joyless obligation, rather than a challenging practice that enhances our walk with God.
For this reason I was glad to read Levison's caution in the devotion for today about not letting that happen. "I don't want you, as a child of God, to spend any part of these forty days thinking of prayer as one more obligation to cross off your list. Let prayer today be for you a deep sigh, a contented breath. Because, when all is said and done, God's passion for you isn't a response to your expert attention to obligations. God's passion lies in a primal love for us, sons and daughter who respond in faith with only one word that matters: Abba!" Amen to that!
For this reason I was glad to read Levison's caution in the devotion for today about not letting that happen. "I don't want you, as a child of God, to spend any part of these forty days thinking of prayer as one more obligation to cross off your list. Let prayer today be for you a deep sigh, a contented breath. Because, when all is said and done, God's passion for you isn't a response to your expert attention to obligations. God's passion lies in a primal love for us, sons and daughter who respond in faith with only one word that matters: Abba!" Amen to that!
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