Dear Self,
Like Israel, you tend to forget the most basic things. Important things. You need constant reminders. So, find ways to remind yourself about these things that matter. If you aren’t intentionally setting the truth before yourself you will forget.
You’ll forget what you were (a slave to sin, a child of wrath, a dead man walking).
You’ll forget what you are (a disciple of Christ, a child of God, a new creation).
You’ll forget what you are made for (the glory of God, the good of my neighbors).
You’ll forget what you’re sent to do (make Christ known, make disciples).
You’ll forget it all.
And when you forget these things – you get into trouble. So erect something like “memorial stones” that will remind you of all these things (and more). Get back to personal journaling, preach these things to yourself, share them with your kids, and help others to see and savor them wherever you can.
I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship; husband to Jen; Dad to Katherine, Elias, Madeline, and Kilian. If you're in town you can probably find me in the local coffee house or running through the neighborhoods.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for this post. I will put it in my journaling moleskine!
In my bible I have a note telling me to preach the Gospel to yourself daily:
1. Memorize the gospel
2. Pray the gospel
3. Sing the gospel
4. Review how the gospel has changed you
5. Study the gospel
This is so meant for me. For the first time a few weeks ago (at Prayer school) I heard the concept of “speaking to me”, the teaching was on speaking to the strong man and not the symptom, and now “telling me to preach the Gospel to me daily”.
I will always find something else to keep me busy instead of doing what I know I should… praying, spending time in the Word and spending time with Him.
In His light
note to myself too.
Brilliant post Joe, thanks.
Have you read Polishing God’s Monuments?
{ 1 trackback }