It is the Lord Christ you are serving

More thoughts on stubbornness:

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s post that the reason I was thinking through all that is because InterVarsity likes to impose lots of rules and structures. A lot of these are good and I have learned to see the value in them and have intentionally tried to invite the Holy Spirit to soften my heart towards these structures. Even still my heart is sinful and rebellious. There was a point this week when we were being asked to participate in something that to me, felt like a waste of time. I was anxious and starting to verbally complain when the Spirit began to prick my own spirit that I needed to bend my heart. So I went away for a little bit and spent some time in the Lord’s presence. I love that He lets me come to Him just as I am- with all of my anxiety and strong-willed thinking. I was telling Him how I didn’t want to do this activity and that I didn’t even like it or the person asking me to do it, and He interrupted me and just said, “but Linds, you love ME.” He said it so lovingly and so simply and I was humbled. He was calling me to obedience simply because of His character and my love for Him. He has called me to InterVarsity not for the sake of InterVarsity, but for the sake of His name and glory. And as a result, I am free to obey the structures because it is ultimately the Lord that I am serving. I was reminded of Derek Webb’s live album entitled “House Show” where he takes a moment to tell us,

“all the behavior modification in the world will never change your heart, but Jesus however, he does change our hearts.”

It’s so true. Jesus is slowly and gently changing my rebellious heart and pulling me into a deeper love for Him. I wrote this verse on the back of my nametag so I would be daily reminded of my submission to the Lord above all else:

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:22-24

Amen. It is the Lord Christ I am serving- may it always be.