When I was in college, I both loved and loathed finals week.
I loved it because it signaled the end of a semester… which equaled a much anticipated BREAK.
I loathed it because, well… Finals. Duh. #NoPressure
I loved it because other than studying, we had lots of free time to goof around.
I loathed it because at some point, I needed to quit goofing around and get busy with a last-minute learning push.
I loved it because it nearly always involved sweets, treats and delicious food.
I loathed it because of that same reason– and my pants were angry when my waistline *surprisingly* got tighter.
And so friends, today is our final lesson in practicing what we preach when it comes to being like Jesus in our Everyday.
Over the last several weeks, we have chatted about a lot of different topics.
We mentioned how important humility is and that possessing a “holier than thou” attitude really gets us no where.
We analyzed our Judgy-McJudgerson attitudes… and gave tips on how to knock it off.
Of course, we chatted about what it means to love– all the dang time.
Who can forget my own shortcomings as a parent and the importance of obedience and submission?
Practicing grace was probably one of my favorites since it involved a thwack to my forehead from The Big Guy Himself.
Oh yeah– we touched on the reasons NOT to serve— and why we should do it anyway.
A crash course in forgiveness found us (ok, me) seriously looking at my heart to release any bondage I was in.
Finally, we wrapped the whole preaching practice up with a little message on gratitude.
And now, here we are friends.
It has been an empowering AND convicting few weeks. #CanIGetAnAmen?
So now comes the big question: What are we going to do about it? I will tell you what we are going to do– we will KEEP PRACTICING.
That is what walking with Jesus is all about. I have mentioned it many times before, but it is so important to embrace that truth that God doesn’t want our perfection– He just wants our obedience.
And when we fall short on these Holy Practices, repentance and regrouping to try again is all He wants from us.
<Insert collective sigh here.> What. A. Relief.
But our continued practice isn’t just going to happen– we must be intentional. Take a look again at our list:
Humility * Nonjudgmental * Love * Obedience/Submission * Grace * Service * Forgiveness * Gratitude
Now, answer these questions in the comment section below: Which one of the listed practices do you feel like you have a pretty good handle on? (And no, it is not prideful to admit that you understand/grasp a Jesus trait) Which one needs the most work in your life? What is one action step you will take in 2015 to make it a reality?
Don’t treat the end of this series as our Final Exam. That doesn’t come until we are called Home. Ask God to shape us, mold us, grow us into followers of Christ who ace our finals when we do finally cross through Heavens Gates.
Thankful that Jesus is my Study Partner,
“Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.” ~Psalm 26:2-3 NIV
Linking up today with Kelli via Unforced Rhythms, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, Jen over at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, and Hazel via Tell Me a Story. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
