You probably know a number of people who are stressed out.
Their smiles — when they happen — seem forced.
Their cushion of grace toward others is razor-thin.
Their precision of effort at work or home or elsewhere is not what it once was.
It seems that the pressure to perform according to others’ or their own expectations has twisted them into knots.
Perhaps the above descriptions apply to you.
There’s a better way.
A way out of the above.
Christians are called to show people the better way.
It’s found in Matthew 11:28-30.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
A sense of worth that is based on pleasing the world will always be high-maintenance because the world is egocentric, wanting more from us than it gives.
A sense of worth that is based on pleasing the Lord will always be low-maintenance because the Lord is exocentric, giving us more than we give Him.
That fact draws me toward living for Christ. I want to become a servant for the King who came and died to make my steps easier in life, not harder.
I smile more naturally and more often because of being in Christ.
I have more grace toward others.
My efforts are more careful and effective.
That’s definitely a better way that others need to see so that they might want to pursue the same.
I pray that you’ll embrace the same.
As always, I love you
Martin
