Why we all need to take more control of the pace of our lives
Does it feel like your life is overwhelming and constantly busy? Are you anxious and stressed about work, education and other responsibilities? You’re not alone. As a society, it seems to have become “normal” to expect ourselves to push ourselves beyond our limits in the name of success.
However, when this drive for success takes over our lives, we lose track of what else is important. We lose track of our joy, our rest, our peace, our spirituality and our intimate connections with the people we love.
Is this really the best we can do? Is this really how we’re meant to live: in constant stress and in the pursuit of validation from others? This lifestyle seems more on track with what Jesus warned us against, not how He wants us to live.
Beware of the thief
“Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. ‘I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good — sheep rustlers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for — will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.’”
John 10:6-10 (MSG)
In the Gospel of John, Jesus draws the comparison of Himself as the gate of a shepherd’s pen. The gate keeps the sheep safe from all the threats outside. We often regard this passage in the sense of spiritual warfare; Jesus is protecting us from sin, evil threats and eternal death. While this is true, this passage also refers to our lives now.
We need to put our hope in Jesus rather than ourselves or other people. When we do this, we can stop pushing ourselves to seek affirmation in others or to find our value in what we can do. Instead, Jesus tells us we’re valuable, accepted and loved regardless of what we are. In fact, we have to do nothing at all! We just need to put our hope and trust in Him that He has our best interests in mind.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “To Hell With Normal.” It’s all about redefining what we consider normal in life as we seek to make our lives more like the way Jesus would have them to be.
Do you want to grow in your faith or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.