Lately, I've been struggling with the decision of whether or not to continue writing Backseat Driver. I'm really seeking to know the direction of the Lord in this. I'm wondering if it's really valuable and producing Kingdom fruit, or if its time to move on with other things. I hate to think I'm just contributing more pablum to our obsession with teaching, information, endless opinions, "expert" dissemination and constant verbal noise. Maybe I'm just tired, and in pessimistic mood, but I find myself in reading blogs, twitter, and Facebook/Google posts, the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes when he says, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity".
I'd like "Backseat Driver" to be what Solomon describes when he says, "The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by the one Shepherd", (Chapter 12:10-11). However I'm worried that I may be falling into his warning in the next verse along with many others when he continues with, " But beyond this, my son, be warned; the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books (blogs, twitter) is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person". Ecclesiastes 12:12-13.
So, going back to my very first blog post from February 2009, which I re posted here - I'm taking a good look in the mirror and wondering if I'm walking around Headless, or connected firmly to the Head.
What about you - are you walking around Headless and don't even know it?
Headless
Have
you ever been driving the car for a period of time, lost in thought,
and suddenly realized that you had covered many miles, switched lanes,
maneuvered through traffic and not had a consciousness of what just
happened? There was a disconnect from the "head" but you functioned
just fine on "auto pilot".
In Ephesians 4:15 it say; "but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ."
How much of our daily lives to we live "without the Head", and we don't even notice it? When we go on "auto pilot" ?
I know I desire to grow with a growth which is from Christ,
and I believe you do also. To remain connected to Him so that our
lives are a living, fruitful and growing reflection of His Will and
direction. No more auto pilot or headless meandering! Let's stay
connected to our Head!
Katie,
ReplyDeleteYour post popped up in my Facebook feed this AM and I felt an urge to click on it. I'm glad I did. I appreciate what you are going through. In forty years of being a believer, beginning in the Jesus Movement of the early 70s, I've never seen such an unsettled time in the life of God's people. It feels like a season of profound transition, from what we once knew to something new that hasn't fully been revealed to us.
At such times it is easy to feel "headless". And at such times it is worthwhile to be introspective and to ask God if He wants us to lay something down to continue on. At such times there is an "old principle" which can serve us well: "Never doubt in the darkness what God has clearly revealed in the light". Each of us must ask and answer that question for ourselves, remembering that "religious activity" is not a necessary sign of obedience or spirituality.
The devotional thought you shared in your post tells me (and anyone who reads it) that you are definitely NOT "headless". You are intelligent, passionate, spiritually insightful and committed to the Kingdom. All qualities which God will use to direct you as you move forward. Whether or not He will call you to lay down your blog is something only you can decide. But whenever He calls us to empty ourselves of one thing, it is usually because He intends to move us on to something better.
Blessings, Maurice (and Gale) Smith
Maurice,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, perspective, encouragement and reminders.
They are much appreciated brother!
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteIt's all about building, isn't it? Are we building with wood and straw or with gold and precious stones?
We say, 'We'll build your church, Lord, in our own way and in our own time'. But the Head says, 'I will build my church'.
He needs people who appear to be headless, people who will not follow their own hearts but will follow his heart. The fact that you ask the question clearly reveals that you are intent on hearing from him and building as he directs.
A long time ago I had a picture while I was praying with two special friends. I have never forgotten it and it seems appropriate from time to time in my life. I think this is a time to share it once more.
My personal opinion is that your blog has served to bring us to the Master Builder in a variety of ways. But Maurice is right, you will hear for yourself what he wants you to do next. You don't need me to tell you how to listen :-) So listen, and wait, and hear, and be obedient. You can do it!
And remember... He will lead you, he's the Shepherd. He'll take you where there is cool, quiet water, no need to doubt or be afraid. He'll lay a table in sight of the enemy, anoint you with the oil of his Spirit, and fill your cup until it runs over.
To blog or not to blog is nothing. To walk with the King is everything!
Chris,
DeleteThanks for sharing your picture (above in your comment post) - it is powerful and so applicable....I appreciate you brother!
Hi Katie, I came across your blog by "accident" and immediately identified with your dilemna. I have written what I call Simple Church Letters for the last four+ years and recently had similar thoughts. I came to the conclusion that in explaining simple/organic/missionaly churches is like pushing water up hill with the proverbial rake. We're pushing against nearly 2000 years of damaging tradition that is enslaving multitudes in it's powerful grasp. I know too that there's heaps of good teaching 'out there' on this subject - and we need every bit of it. So, I would say, "Keep praying about your situation and even when you don't see immediate fruit, don't take that as rejection." Unless God says otherwise I would suggest you continue what you have (obviously) been called and gifted to do. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteJack Guerin
Hey Jack,
DeleteIt's always amazing to me how the internet has opened up such incredible ways to connect with people. Your "accidental" reading of my blog and your great counsel and encouragement to me, is such an example of this. Thank you!
And thank you, as well; Maurice, Chris, and so many others who are out there being faithful to listen and obey the Lord of Life. I thank God for His Body and our being "linked and joined together" is such a blessing.