Internet Cafe

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Cafe Chat

To do or not to do...that is the question
Do you ever find yourself measuring how good you are doing in your relationship with God by the things you do, or the things you don't do? In the last couple of weeks, I have found myself looking at the things I am NOT doing, or shall I say some things I have given up (or tried to) because they were not things that were drawing me to Jesus, or helping me in my relationship with Him.
For me, I think I am discovering that if I look at my "DO NOT" list, it is pushes me a bit toward legalism, and causes me to focus in on my works more than I should. So today I want to see where my sisters in Christ stand on the "to do or not to do" dilemma.
Do you focus in more on what you are doing for Jesus, or on what you are not doing for Him? Is there a balance? Do you think this is even a healthy approach when you are examining yourself in regards to your relationship with Christ?
I am looking forward to seeing your answers this week.
Blessings, Kim

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posted by Toknowhim @ 12:30 AM 

6 Comments:

Blogger Celee said...

Interesting topic. It's easy for us to look on the outer man- at what we're doing or not doing, but it's more difficult to examine the heart. Often, we delude ourselves about our inward sin. I think it's ok to look at what we've "given up" along the way of our Christian walk, as long as we also examine our heart and see grattitude and faith there. Battling Unbelief by John Piper is a great study along these lines. I know that I struggle just as much with the inward sins of pride and covetousness (which is idolatry) as I do with outward sins such as controlling my toungue. I think examination is always good, as long as we don't forget to look at our hearts. Thank you for the stimulating discussion topic and reminder to live an examined life!

September 17, 2009 at 8:01 AM  
Blogger Janet Benlien Reeves said...

This very issue has been on my heart often lately. I've posted my thoughts here. Thank you, Kim!

September 17, 2009 at 9:10 AM  
Blogger Kela said...

Hello again Kim!
I put in my .02 today :)

http://pursuingwhatisexcellent.blogspot.com/2009/09/chatting-it-up-at-internet-cafe-cafe.html

Be blessed!!!
Kela

September 17, 2009 at 2:33 PM  
Anonymous Laurel@FromMyHeartToYours said...

Kim, this is a wonderful question, as always. I posted my response here:

http://laurelsheart.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/to-do-or-not-to-do-cafe-chat/

I also talked in an earlier post about moving from emotion and feeling, into FAITH. This ties along with that too I think:

http://laurelsheart.wordpress.com/2009/09/14/emotion-into-faith/

Thanks for all you do Kim. HUGE hugs from Canada

September 17, 2009 at 4:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Lord picked me up from a very sketchy beginning and set me into the arms of my adopted parents...I have always , as far back as I knew this, been GRATEFUL. I seem to have run many of my 58 years,with a full love cup. I can attribute my good fortune and all of the love extended to me, to the Lord.I focus on His vast affection for us,Me! I try to run my life honoring the life & gifts He has given to me. I do not focus on whether I measure up in my works or not, or if I fall short.He understands me and is my Savior. I can giggle with joy at the thought of His love. It's all a very simple faith in my case.

September 18, 2009 at 12:21 AM  
Anonymous Sharon said...

For me it is not safe to do either. Why, because it takes my focus off Him and put my focus on me. It also gives me the false impression that my salvation depends on my works not Jesus. Don't get me wrong I want to be doing things that forward his kingdom and I want to be helping others like he requests but I need to keep the focus off me and more on why I'm doing these things. When I became a member of my current church I committed to one hour of worship, one hour of service, one hour of prayer and 1/10 of my income in support of my church and their mission/purposes. I still use that as a guide but not the absolute. I want to do things that God asks us to because of my love for him and not for my ego. Therefore, my prayer each morning is that he will guide me in fullfiling His purpose for me.

September 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM  

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