July 22, 2023
A life without ambition, without expectations, without thinking about what other people say, being sincere, doing what is right and straight is a very happy life. Our lives become easy and light. Even whatever happens, we can still be grateful. We can enjoy our portion without wanting someone else’s.
Many people live their lives chasing things that really don’t need to be pursued. Many prepare because they think they will have the opportunity to appear and achieve a much better life. It is true that the term ‘preparation meets opportunity’ is true, but it is not entirely true. Because true preparation will always lead us to ‘death from self’, that’s for sure!
The death of the flesh, the death of the self is unpopular! Especially when we are entering a big movement. Everyone is vying to become a ‘movement figure’, or at least a famous speaker and known to many people. Even though living like that is very tiring. But that’s the reality, many people are willing to work hard to achieve what ‘is not their portion’.
Romans 6:11 (NKJV) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The verse above should not just be a mere ‘slogan’, it must be the reality of life that we experience together with God. The smell of death of the flesh should be very strong coming out of our lives, it is the smell of Christ’s fragrance. Jesus is an example of a person who experienced death perfectly.
– He gave up the right to be believed.
– He gave up the right to be appreciated.
– He gave up the right to be respected.
– He gave up the right to be understood.
– He gave up the right to be recognized.
Many people are waiting for the moment to be promoted, that’s fine. But also try to look forward to the moment of being humiliated, misunderstood, insulted and not even acknowledged, and disgraced by others. Try to prepare ourselves to experience these moments.
I learned something, it turns out that the standard of our lives has been directed by this world to focus on the stories of ‘successful people’ in this world. We don’t know their roots of life, their purposes, what their hearts are like. Anyway, we consider all kinds of quotes from successful people as truth. It’s okay to follow them, but if there is a choice that is more certain and more correct than them, why should we follow them?
Just an example of Jesus, the most successful person in the world in following the will of the Father. HE DIED ON THE CROSS. It doesn’t mean that we are adherents of ‘suffering’, no, because if we feel suffering following the will of the Father, it shows that we are not willing to experience death from the self.
Inevitably, in following in the footsteps of Christ, we will surely experience the same suffering and persecution as He experienced while living in this world.
2 Timothy 3:12-14 (NKJV) Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
If we understand life from Jesus’ perspective, then our lives will be light and continue to focus on the will of the Father. Our lives will be full of joy and thanksgiving and CALM AND PEACE THAT BEYOND ALL UNDERSTANDING. The people of this world find it difficult to understand God’s ways, but for us, they are bright paths.
Matthew 11:25-30 (NKJV) At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Enjoy a life of ease and lightness on the path of death of the flesh!
Ps. Steven Augustinus
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