Two Powerful Words
Words are powerful. Each of us have felt the impact that words can have at one level or another.Words define. Words clarify. Words cut. Words complement. Words bring perspective and knowledge.We live in a world where there is no lack of words. From our social media feeds, to emails, to text messages, it seems like life is inundated with words. With all of the options of words that you and I have to focus on today, I want to submit two words to give focus to: CONSIDER HIM.[quote align="center" color="#999999"]Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.Hebrews 12:3[/quote]The author encourages us to "Consider Him". When we face moments of weariness, discouragement, pain - we are called to CONSIDER HIM. In the prior verse we are told the key to living a life of faith: Fixing our eyes on Jesus (see Hebrews 12:1-2). This is not an exercise set aside just for a Sunday morning church service. Instead, we are called to live with a perspective that considers Jesus: who He is, what He has accomplished and what He is currently doing. Today, no matter what you may be facing, here are three areas I would encourage you to consider:Jesus' Suffering We face hard times. There is no doubt about it; our world is broken. Yet, in the moments where we feel as if we are "suffering", have we considered His Suffering? When we think about all He faced, the author of Hebrews reminds us that, it keeps us from growing weary or fainthearted. Here is the point: Jesus sees you, understands what you are experiencing and you don't have to face it alone.Jesus' Sacrifice I know many people who have given up a lot to devote their lives to following Jesus. Some have moved to far countries. Some have lost friendships and relationships. Some have experienced great sacrifice. Even though there may be a level of sacrifice that you are facing today, CONSIDER HIM. Jesus willingly gave His all. His motivation? Love. If you are weary from expectations, demands or just life in general, take a moment and consider His Sacrifice.Jesus' Sufficiency Today, you might be tempted to focus on what you lack. Thoughts like this have a tendency to consume our focus and our energy. We invest so much energy in focusing on very real needs: our income, our relationships, our health, our future, our past, our hopes...all of which are important to us. The problem is that Scripture calls me to put my focus elsewhere. I am called to fix my eyes on Jesus. Why is that so important? Because He is sufficient. Your income might not always be, but He will always be. Your relationships might not always be, but He will always be.Two powerful words: Consider HimToday, you have the opportunity to bring your focus back on Jesus. Let these two words shape how you approach life in each moment.