For, or From? [continued]

For the last several days, I've continued to mull over this idea of living life from God, and not just for God (see previous post for more info). A key aspect of this concept is the realization, the fact, the truth, that we are able to live life from God. We, while living imperfect and sinful lives, have access to God, through Jesus. Because of this, He can be present with us. Throughout the last week, as I've been pondering this, I've seen it show up in my daily life small (but meaningful) ways:

First, in a photo that hangs near my bed. I took this in college, and had underlined that famous verse the first time I read it on my own. 
















 
I remember the imprint it left in my brain. But glancing at that photo one night before bed, I read the very last line, which is also the very last line in the book of Matthew:


And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.


Jesus has just commissioned his disciples to go forth and multiply, but does not leave them until he gives a promise of his presence with them. Forever.

Last Wednesday I was walking downtown and happened to pass someone on the sidewalk talking about Christmas. Lord... NO. I thought to myself. It's not even the end of summer, must we talk about Christmas already?? But I started thinking about why I love the Advent season- not for the gifts or festive Starbucks drinks or even being with family (though all of those are awesome).

I love Advent because it reminds me that God is here, and presence with me. He came to earth, in the form of a tiny little human, and walked among us. He is called "Emmanuel: God with us." I love that advent reminds us of this.

A final reminder of seeking God's presence in daily life happened today- New City Covenant Church marked our first official service in our permanent building today! It is a huge answer to prayer, and over the last few weeks the community has been putting in countless hours sanding, painting, throwing, organizing and building.

My pastor, John, was quick to remind the congregation about our history; for the first four years of our existence, we've built something intangible: a transformational community. While we have enjoyed working on the tangible aspects of our building, the intangible is still most important: God's presence in our community. John told a brief story about a church plant that split up soon after they had purchased a permanent building. The first sign of trouble was an argument over the color and type of color to purchase for the building. Heartbreaking, really. I so appreciate John bringing us back to what's important:  "what really matters is not the glory of our space, but the presence of God in our midst."

For, or From?

CSU has come and gone, and a busy fall is looming ahead. I took some time last week to reflect on the US Cru national staff conference (which is held on the beautiful CSU campus in Ft. Collins, CO (hence the conference nickname)). It was an awesome week, full of things like fun coffee dates with old friends, and challenging seminars from a wide variety of people.

One of my favorite talks was from Skye Jethani, who talked about the pendulum swing from consumerism Christianity to activism Christianity (which I wrote about in my most recent newsletter).

Jethani started out right away citing research that, more than ever before, the current generation treats God like someone we can go to get what we want, and can then discard or ignore when we have what we want. I've heard others describe this as treating God like a cosmic vending machine, taking verses like Jeremiah 29:11 way out of context. We go to God with our lists of requests, pray for blessing, and wait expectantly.

We eventually, hopefully, come to realize this isn't true Christianity. But somehow, the pendulum swings too far other way- into Christian activism. Life becomes about service. The more we serve God, the better our life is, even if it may not seem like it on the outside. But it is, because we sacrifice for others, and God is happy with us and all this good we're doing. We are supposed to wear our "I live for God" attitude on our sleeve- unfortunately, too many wear it literally.

We get involved in missions and service groups and human rights events. These are all great. There's nothing wrong with them. More than ever before, this generation wants to change the world, me included. I grew up on a farm, miles outside our tiny town - yet even as a kid I had this desire to grow up and change the world somehow.

But somehow, life becomes all about service. About "doing" for God. We base our worth on what we produce. How big is your new church plant that you spend lots of time volunteering in? What about your ministry, how is God using you there? What are you investing your time in that will make an impact in eternity??

Over the weekend, one of my facebook friends shared a wonderful post from Proverbs 31 Ministries:

"Sometimes I wonder…what makes my child feel loved? One morning last week I was driving my son, Andrew, to school and asked him, “What makes you feel loved?”
He thought for a minute and the he said, “THIS.”

“This?” I asked him.

“Yea. This. You being with me mom. When you drive me to school and talk to me about my day. And when you tell me that you’re gonna be there when I get home. That makes me feel loved and secure. Thanks mom, bye!” And, he hopped out of the car. As I drove away, I kept thinking – This is love?

You mean I don’t have to go out and buy his favorite toy or take him to a movie? Just being there is love."

Precious. Don't you think that's what God wants, too? He loves when you do nice things for him and for other people, when you seek to invest your life in something that matters and make a difference in this world. But I don't think he wants those things to happen at the expense of your relationship with Him.

I say "you" and "we" a lot in this point, but I actually mean me. As Jethani said in his seminar, "It's possible to be on mission for God, yet never really know Him."

I can so easily structure my day around tangible tasks that are important or significant in ministry... and also easily forget the purpose behind them. I often don't live my life from God, as Jethani says. I live it for God...and even then, it's a struggle. 

What do you think? What does it look like to live life from God, instead of for God?