Holy Discontentment?

Last night we read deeper into the book of Phillipians as Paul described his walk with Jesus in words such as "striving, toiling and pressing hard."  His verbage makes it very clear that the idea of 'comfort' that we most typically associate with a Christian lifestyle is just not Biblical.

Matt described a 'holy discontentment' in a way that propels us closer to and more deeply desiring more of Jesus.  NOT a discontentment that paralyzes us with anxiety, guilt or shame...leaving us to our own efforts.

What are some areas of holy discontentment for you?  'How and where' can we apply good, true teaching to our lives...making a plan to incorporate it instead of leaving it stagnant in our minds?

Accountability.  Do we shy away from it?  Truly being vulnerable to someone or a group of someones, in an attempt to identify real areas of sin in our lives and gain help and support as we repent (or walk away from) that sin.  So easy to talk about doing....not so easy to do.  'How and when' can we put this into action?

Feel like a spiritual giant?  What are some areas of weakness in your own life, that could potentially be strengthened by spending time with someone who is stronger in it?  It takes time, courage and humility....'how and when' can we make it happen?

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This was a tough message, for me at least.  It's so much easier for me to listen and process something that doesn't give a direct assignment of incorporating it into my life.  Introspection is hard for most of us.  Sometimes I know that I'm feeling A LOT, but can't actually articulate what it is that I'm actually experiencing.  It takes time, emotional energy and a level of honesty and vulnerability that can be terrifying.

Here's the Good News....Jesus :)  He is good.  He is for us.  And His grace covers our weaknesses.  He's not interested in our performance or attempts at earning His favor...He's relentlessly pursuing and transforming our hearts and minds.

Try bringing these questions to Him as you navigate them yourself.  Let Him join the conversation :)

Told ya so....

Who didn't think I'd actually get this done??  C'mon...you can tell me...actually, don't.  I much prefer to think of myself as flawless :)  Ahem...I'm sorry, is that a bit much??

So I'm really excited about the possibilities that this presents for our lifegroup conversations!  Thanks, Eric for suggesting the idea...BRILLIANT!

Each time we meet collectively, I will post a recap/summary-type blurb of what we discussed, maybe post some of the questions we asked and didn't have time to really get into depth with (since we are definitely time-challenged ;) and let it fly from there!  Might help if you subscribe so that you will potentially get an email notification each time we update/post.

Thanks for being so awesome...it truly is a pleasure to get to hang and journey with each of you!  Let's get talking!