I rarely pass on articles that I have read, but this week I was captivated by an article of a pastor in Tennessee by the name of Steven Fry. Steve writes: How do we find the center of gravity in our spiritual lives? It comes down to this: Who do we live for? Whose will do we do?

Taking up the cross means submission to the Lord’s will at the most difficult points in our life. The cross has little to do with daily inconveniences like preparing a tax return, or putting on a brave face in traffic or being polite to a rude neighbor. It has little to do with coping with life’s complexity. Instead, we take up the cross when we obey God even when that course incurs the greatest hurt. In Philippians 2, Paul gave us a glimpse of the attitude that bears the cross, when he called the cross Christ’s ultimate response of obedience – ultimate because it meant the greatest sacrifice. As we wrestle daily with submission to God, the question we must ask ourselves is this: What will give God the most glory?

Choices constantly confront us. Some are easy, some are difficult. When faced with life choices like, what school do I go to? What career to pursue? Or other choices forced on us by unpleasant circumstances—Do I confront the one who hurt me? Do I remain quiet about my talents, allowing God to promote me in His time? Do we say, “This choice will provide greater financial stability so that I can serve God more effectively?” Or “This will make me happiest—and God said He would give me the desires of my heart.”

When facing tough choices we must ask: What would give God the most glory? If you ask that question God will part the skies and send you an answer. In fact, he often delays answers in order to bring us to where we can joyfully say, “God I will go in the direction that glorifies you most.” It may not be what seems to benefit us. It may not be the obvious pathway of delight. But, it will be the pathway of peace.
Some of us never quiet our hearts long enough to discern what God is doing. Then, God may let us settle at the level of spiritual maturity we choose, even if that means frolicking in a spiritual sandbox for the rest of our lives. May we instead be those who press into a relationship with God, where our desire is this: whatever glorifies Him most.

Thanks Steve.

On the journey together,
Kirk