As I shared with everyone during the trip on Saturday, our last day, I refuse to life life as an ember, or merely kindling; igniting only for a short time and letting it fizzle, or just allowing flashes of light to exude from time to time. I'm to live fully ablaze from that day forward. Today, being reminded that we truly are at war; though not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers, I have been continuously encouraged. We are in this together and I believe God has placed me in this life, right where I live, for reasons beyond my wildest dreams; He has blessed me and will continue blessing me only because it is His character, not because I am deserving. None of us are deserving of His great love for us. We are deserving of death, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
It's not just within the walls of the building that we are to live for God, but outside--all the time. It is a way of life, not a hobby. The biggest adjustment for me upon getting back to the US after my trip was coming from openness to being enclosed. My climate here doesn't allow for buildings to have open plans (which I'm especially thankful for on days like today with all the fluffy white stuff around). Church was held out doors, and even when we were at the complex, it was like being out doors. I almost felt a bit claustrophobic in church because everything was enclosed. I thought, if only we had the mentality of an open building rather than being enclosed, we could see how the sounds carry through, not just bounce off walls. It's almost more challenging here, because we think it can only be experienced within the confines of a church building; we forget that the people ARE the church and we ARE God's hands and feet; together, we ARE the body. One cannot say to the other they are not needed. We all have a special gift or talent that God gave us to minister in the way He designed for us to. We aren't the same; yet without the others, we cannot live to our fullest potential.
As Google defines it:
lack·a·dai·si·cal
ˌlakəˈdāzək(ə)l/
adjective
- lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy."a lackadaisical defense left the Spurs adrift in the second half"
synonyms: lethargic, apathetic, listless, sluggish, spiritless, passionless; More
