Do you guys ever find yourselves striving for something more? Maybe to be a better mom, wife or friend? Do you strive to excel at work? How about in your study of Scripture?
Me, too. To let you in on a little secret, I often catch myself striving to be a better Christian.
Striving is such a tricky word. We should strive to be better at the things we do, but when that striving consumes us, well, we have taken a turn down a path we were never meant to travel. You know what I find so frustrating about my striving……it is so much work. I find I am always striving against something. Against the constraints I have placed on my own day. Against the fleshy me who snaps at her kids and her husband. Against the worldly desire to seek the praises of men over the praises of God. Striving, solo, against the world.
And girls, it wears me out!
A few weeks ago, I heard a verse in my Sunday school class that caused me to rethink my striving efforts.
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
~Philippians 1:27 (NKJV, underline mine)
Why have I chosen to walk this road alone?
Instead of constantly striving against things, what if I started striving with others to achieve the same goal?
Moms striving together to better their parenting skills. Husbands and wives striving with each other and other couples to guard and improve their marriages. Collaborating with my co-workers, striving to be a better team than we were last year. Actively involved in my church and a community group so that we can strive together to be more Christ-like.
With a group, that doesn’t seem so tiring. It almost sounds fun!
If you have a church you regularly attend, I encourage you to find a group you can get involved in. A group where you can join others and walk this road out together.
Maybe you don’t have a church family. Perhaps you are a stay-at-home mom whose isolated days have you feeling it is you against the world. You have been hurt in the past and have withdrawn.
We want you to know you don’t have to walk this alone. Ladies, this is what we want to be for you. Another community where you can link up and we can strive together.
Notice I said another. You need a local body of believers. You go find one. Nothing can replace the tangible body of Christ that you know IRL and see often. NOTHING. But if you need encouragement while you find them, we are here for you.
Gals, and guys if there be any, it is not us against the world. We have Jesus. Strive to know Him more.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
~John 16:33 (NKJV)
