I was quiet around these here parts last week because we were at the beach with family. And I got strep throat (yippee). And a nasty cough/cold/fever/goopy eye thing knocked two of my kids around (fun). But we pressed through — with drugs — and thankfully made some really great memories.
Now we’re back to the grind of daily living. And as I’ve smell-tested clothes (in hopes of shrinking the mountain of laundry) and rearranged the closet (because for the life of me I can’t quite figure out how we had 5 suitcases in here) there’s this phrase that keeps coming to mind. It’s like God condensed my heart’s passion to a single sentence.
I want to live theology, not just preach it.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35
Live it. Geez. Life and my girly heart makes it hard — near impossible depending on the time of the month. But it’s my deepest desire. I so want to be an authentic liver of truth. (“Liver.” Ha.) When life’s loud or ugly or I’m hurt or angry, I want God’s perspective to drive me. I want His Spirit stirred within me.
I fail constantly. So don’t go thinking I’ve got it all figured out — just ask my kids or husband. I don’t. But I crave it. I want it. And now He’s condensed it for me into this single phrase: live not just preach. I’m thinking an embroidered pillow or wall hanging is in order…if I embroidered.
So that’s it. We’re back into the grind of daily living. But not mundane or reactionary living. As a mom and wife and sister and daughter and friend, I pray today (again and again) that He empowers me to live theology. “Empowers” because apart from His grace and strength I can’t do it. It ain’t happenin’.
But one thing I know, His beautiful truth — His opposite-of-flesh-response-truth — really does bring life to our human souls. Thank you, Jesus.
Five tips to “living” theology on Monday (and every other day):
- Stay in constant conversation with God. Tell Him how you feel and then ask His opinion on the situation.
- Meditate on true things like Scripture or praise songs.
- Run — don’t walk — to your alone place to gain perspective when you feel like exploding all over people.
- Pray for those who hurt you. Jesus’ words, not mine.
- Take 20 minutes to something you enjoy. I have no Scripture reference for this one, but God made all of us with different bents. Sometimes we need to break away and just do that thing we love — write, run, photograph, paint, build, plant.
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Fill me, Lord…
So what other tips do you have for living, not just preaching, our theology?
This goes along with meditating on scripture. Memorizing scripture. The more of it I put into myself, the more comes out. It becomes a part of me. His Word begins to flow with my words. It comes to mind in those tough times. He reminds me who I am. He speaks to me through His Word by bringing specific verses I’ve memorized to the forefront. Then it’s easier – that of course being a relative term – to live it out and share it with others, because it’s already in there!
Yes! I was on the journey to memorize the Sermon on the Mount but I’ve let it fall to the side. Really needing to pick that challenge back up. His Word is life to us. Hugs to you, sister.
Lara…I love this. At a time when we as women are inundated with “lists” of how to be better wives, mothers, Believers and women….you gave us simple, practical and very doable tips to deepening our walk with the Lord. Thank you Dear Sister!
Thanks for commenting Holly. I know what you mean about all the lists. They can be a heavy weight to carry. Trusting Him to simply lead as we press into Him in the moments of our day.
golden post- Lara- so good. simple truth put into real life. you keep blessing!!
Thanks friend. You’re a treasure. (I mean that!)
Boy this hit the nail on the head. As a child I wanted to always give an opinion but father’s favorite words were ZIP IT. As an adult and I try to put that desire behind I practice theses words. If the words from my mouth and the meditations are not from the heart I hear my father’s voice say ZIP IT.
I pray I do “zip it” at times. Ha. But I do want His truths to fill me so I spill them out rather than my selfish responses. (Yet so thankful for grace when I don’t.)
I love reading your posts because I know you genuinely seek Him and to share His heart. So blessed to know you friend 🙂
Ha. Like today. “Lord. Help. Me!” I definitely ran to my alone place when mommyhood got the best of me. You’re a blessing sister. Glad to walk this thing beside you. 🙂