Actively and Aggressively
Lately it seems that I’m regularly learning something new.
I’m extremely grateful for that.
Recent circumstances and events in my life have inspired me to pray more. I recently made a commitment to God to try very diligently to meet Him in the communication of prayer three times a day. I believed then, and yet believe now, that such an endeavor would be as wise as it would be beneficial – wise because of who God is and beneficial for the deeper development and continuance of having a truly intimate relationship with Him.
Daniel, the Old Testament prophet, prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10) and the wisdom he gained as well as the intimate relationship with God he received and enjoyed, was of such great benefit that I believed it couldn’t be a bad thing if I followed his example.
As I began the practice of talking to and with God three times a day, I began to learn something new. Not only was it new – refreshing and insightful, it had the added value of being immeasurably powerful!
During one particular prayer-time, I sensed the Spirit of God letting me know that He was pleased with my pursuit of our relationship and wanted me to actively and aggressively spend time with Him; actively and aggressively spend time in His presence.
I was then reminded that Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven allows aggressive pursuit and those who are aggressive pursue it grasp it via active and concentrated effort.” (Matthew 11:12 – paraphrase: mine)
So, here’s what I learned lately – if I want to enjoy a richly fulfilling relationship with God, I must:
Actively and aggressively seek first and foremost God’s kingdom and His righteous persona. (Matthew 6:33 – paraphrase: mine)
Actively and aggressively anchor my primary desires upon heavenly things, and not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 – paraphrase: mine)
Actively and aggressively serve God with a mature heart and a willing thought process. (1 Chronicles 28:9 – paraphrase: mine)
Actively and aggressively resist the inclination and promptings of the wicked one, knowing that when I do this, he’ll quickly leave me. (James 4:7 – paraphrase: mine)
Actively and aggressively remain firm, resolute and unmoved within the freedom wherein Christ has liberated me. (Galatians 5:1 – paraphrase: mine)
Actively and aggressively communicate to and with God in an unceasing manner. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 – paraphrase: mine)
Actively and aggressively love my enemies, love my fellow man as I do myself, and let my love as a whole be bereft of insincerity. ((Matthew 5:44, Leviticus 19:18 and Romans 12:9 – all paraphrased: mine)
That’s just a smattering of the things I must do in this endeavor and I’ve committed myself to do so.
Join me.
Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved