It would be so nice if everything was black and white but as we continue to age it appears there is more gray space than I am comfortable with. I’m with you. And haha to the remote control❤️ you got this!
Like you, Patty, I also wish there were clear cut lines especially to morally complicated issues; but at the same time I thank God that there aren't, or at least that I'm not responsible to define for others. I used to be so confident and used to feel responsible to expose others when they're out of line and decide that they've fallen out of God's graces. The older I get, and the more failings of my own undeservingly meriting God's grace and forgiveness, the blurrier the lines have become. Yes, humility is a key, I completely agree.
Now, when asked for advice, during the conversation I stop and ask God for wisdom for the advice seeker. Then ask what they believe they hear God telling them. How important it is to get the seeker to stop and listen for the guidance of Holy Spirit! And it’s just as important that I do the same. Sometimes it’s gray, sometimes it’s clear. Sometimes it’s wait. Sometimes we have to step out faithfully trusting God will work even through our imperfections!
It’s so sweet to be able to trust in Jesus! His finished work on the cross brought healing between us and God, life walking with Jesus brings spiritual transformation (sanctification) that happens almost imperceptibly to us over time—we may not recognize it but those on the outside will and all of a sudden we have spiritually matured and become more like our loving savior! What a gift!
Ahhh, I love that statement "Maturity looks more like learning which questions we can carry without having to solve." Heard an old country singer say "And just when I had thought I had it all figured out is when I learned out wrong I can be." Not self condemnation. But as you said, when we've been in ministry situations and we strive to always have the correct answers it turns out that questions are most often the best answers themselves. I shake my head a lot these days when I remanence about conversations I have had and situations I thought I handled so well from years gone by.
When I was young, I assumed growing older would make me more certain. Imagine my dismay… lol. At nearly 65, I’m mostly adding to the pile of things that make me say, “I really don’t know.” I'm still learning to be comfortable mulling over questions I may have had no business answering in the first place, instead of solving them all—glad to know I’m not alone. 🙂
It would be so nice if everything was black and white but as we continue to age it appears there is more gray space than I am comfortable with. I’m with you. And haha to the remote control❤️ you got this!
Glad I'm not the only one!
Grace and truth. So simple. But yet…
Right? Doesn't it sound simple? I thought it was 30 years ago, but now I know it's not.
Like you, Patty, I also wish there were clear cut lines especially to morally complicated issues; but at the same time I thank God that there aren't, or at least that I'm not responsible to define for others. I used to be so confident and used to feel responsible to expose others when they're out of line and decide that they've fallen out of God's graces. The older I get, and the more failings of my own undeservingly meriting God's grace and forgiveness, the blurrier the lines have become. Yes, humility is a key, I completely agree.
I get it. The older I get, the less I know.
This is very relatable, Patty! Thanks 😊
Good to know I'm not alone.
Grace is definitely what we all need, and certainly what we don’t deserve. I heard an acronym for GRACE which I find helpful:
God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
That's a good one, Jennifer!
I agree With Patty—that’s a great acronym! And how wonderful that God’s creation now lives under grace because of Jesus!
I can relate!
I can't believe all the things I thought I knew at 30, but that I question now.
Same here!
Now, when asked for advice, during the conversation I stop and ask God for wisdom for the advice seeker. Then ask what they believe they hear God telling them. How important it is to get the seeker to stop and listen for the guidance of Holy Spirit! And it’s just as important that I do the same. Sometimes it’s gray, sometimes it’s clear. Sometimes it’s wait. Sometimes we have to step out faithfully trusting God will work even through our imperfections!
It’s so sweet to be able to trust in Jesus! His finished work on the cross brought healing between us and God, life walking with Jesus brings spiritual transformation (sanctification) that happens almost imperceptibly to us over time—we may not recognize it but those on the outside will and all of a sudden we have spiritually matured and become more like our loving savior! What a gift!
Ahhh, I love that statement "Maturity looks more like learning which questions we can carry without having to solve." Heard an old country singer say "And just when I had thought I had it all figured out is when I learned out wrong I can be." Not self condemnation. But as you said, when we've been in ministry situations and we strive to always have the correct answers it turns out that questions are most often the best answers themselves. I shake my head a lot these days when I remanence about conversations I have had and situations I thought I handled so well from years gone by.
When I was young, I assumed growing older would make me more certain. Imagine my dismay… lol. At nearly 65, I’m mostly adding to the pile of things that make me say, “I really don’t know.” I'm still learning to be comfortable mulling over questions I may have had no business answering in the first place, instead of solving them all—glad to know I’m not alone. 🙂