Born Again 7: I Want it Now

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Sharon's notes were beginning to reflect a growing and palpable hunger for God's Word.  One thing I've always found energizing about emerging Believers is their sense of wonder and discovery at those things we "mature" (sadly a euphamism for "stagnant") Christians take for granted.

I re-read a verse you cited in one of your previous emails, from Hebrews 4:1 and then you jumped on to 12-16.   I found the verse after your "..." interesting:

"Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it ... For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith".

Sharon found this passage "interesting" because in it she saw herself.  That may sound obvious, but those of us who teach are prone to a very bad habit -- we tend to read for other people.  By that I mean we think to ourselves as we read the Scriptures, "Oh, I should remember that for Sunday school!"  Or, "Joe should really read this passage.  It would really address his problem with such-and-such a sin." 

But for Sharon, everything was new and exciting and personal.

I've read the Bible more seriously in the last week than I've ever had in my life and am feeling that I might be reading it just for the sake of reading it. I was up until 1:00 am last night reading and feeling discouraged for some reason. And then, as I was about put The Book down, I flipped to a page and read the verse on Philippians 1:15 and 18:

When's the last time I read the Bible until 1:00 am?  Never mind, I'd rather not answer that ...

"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill...But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice".

So, I got to thinking. I know what my motives are and that is to find my true faith in God. I'm just being impatient about it because I want it now. But if God can be patient with me and you will be patient with me, I suppose I should be patient with myself in trying to understand what I need to understand.

I'm reminded of one of my very first posts back in 2008 ... a very brief one about a brother named Patrick, whose enthusiasm over Scripture caused me to observe that, "The longer I walk with Christ, the more I need new Christians to remind me of the joy that comes with salvation."

Next:  Born Again 8:  An Act of the Will