Living in the UK has introduced me to another perspective of human cravings. This is the lust for what is called "Celebrity Status". It's a constant barrage of fleshly lust aimed at glorifying persons who in the eye of society are better than others. We are constantly harrassed by images of these so-called gods and are drawn to their lifestyles, albeit good or bad.
The Media do a perfect job at it and we are inadvertently told that if we are to matter at all in this life, we ought to be Celebrities! Therefore in an attempt to follow after this craze, we normally do things that celebrities do. We eat their food, dine at their favourite restaurants, wear same hair and makeup, shoes and dresses. They have become the icon and standard for living and we aim to "look" like them.
Have you seen girls literally faint and scream their voices away at the sight of Michael Jackson? Ever watched the TV show "Makeover" where folks go through all sorts of surgical procedures to physically resemble their Celebrity icon (J-Lo, Britney, Angelina Jolie etc etc)? Did you see the just concluded "Celebrity Big Brother" on TV? Ever seen shops literally sell all their stocks of evening gowns overnight just 'cos Madonna wore the same gown to the Oscars?
I thank God I have found my identity in his word. Thank God he has defined us above all the nonsense of this world. Thank God we aren't conformed to mortal status, celebrated today, irrelevant tommorrow. The God of life calls us Royal, Holy, Chosen, Guiltless, Redeemed, Forgiven, Sons, Priests, Gracious, Favoured to mention but a few.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people...." 1 Peter 2:9
This is true identity, real image to celebrate. Any celebrity out there?
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Time Well Spent
What do you consider as time well spent? Everyday of our lives we go through varying proportions of challenges, tasks and responsibilities that demand the best (or sometimes the worst) from us. Our responses often times are a definition of our personalities, our ideals and our values.....or maybe not. It may also be as a result of inner pressures to please, a desire for false recognition or merely an opportunity to be adventurous.
However your day is spent, we all (I hope) retire to consider the high points of the day and reflect on its gains and losses. Naturally, we value some time of the day better than others and would be happy to tell anyone what we consider as our time well spent.
Permit me to ask once again? What do you value as time well spent everyday?
Do you spend some of your exhaustive day talking and relating in fellowship with God? Do you pause through the barrage of activities to focus on the inner man and your walk with Jesus? Do you value the help of the Holy Spirit all through the day and give him right of place? Or would you normally skip through the day without pausing nor praying, listening nor meditating (on his word and will)?
"........men always ought to pray, and not to faint" Luke 18:1
There are numerous verses of the Holy writ where Christians are encouraged to take off time to commune with God. The idea isn't merely locked up into praying, as in supplicating (though much of this is implied). It also follows the thought that we should spend our days in constant communication with God and his word.
The benefits are tremendous! One of which is a constant participation in, and awareness of your life as seen by the eye of God. If I could live each day walking with God and getting tips on how to go about each minute or hour without the incessant slip-ups and failings, wouldn't that be time well spent?
I guess I don't have to wish for it; it's available! You and I can avail ourselves of the immense opportunities.
However your day is spent, we all (I hope) retire to consider the high points of the day and reflect on its gains and losses. Naturally, we value some time of the day better than others and would be happy to tell anyone what we consider as our time well spent.
Permit me to ask once again? What do you value as time well spent everyday?
Do you spend some of your exhaustive day talking and relating in fellowship with God? Do you pause through the barrage of activities to focus on the inner man and your walk with Jesus? Do you value the help of the Holy Spirit all through the day and give him right of place? Or would you normally skip through the day without pausing nor praying, listening nor meditating (on his word and will)?
"........men always ought to pray, and not to faint" Luke 18:1
There are numerous verses of the Holy writ where Christians are encouraged to take off time to commune with God. The idea isn't merely locked up into praying, as in supplicating (though much of this is implied). It also follows the thought that we should spend our days in constant communication with God and his word.
The benefits are tremendous! One of which is a constant participation in, and awareness of your life as seen by the eye of God. If I could live each day walking with God and getting tips on how to go about each minute or hour without the incessant slip-ups and failings, wouldn't that be time well spent?
I guess I don't have to wish for it; it's available! You and I can avail ourselves of the immense opportunities.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Resolutions
Another year has rolled in and it's almost 1month down, 11 to go! By the way, Happy New Year y'all. This is my first blog for 2006, phew! I apologize to readers who have wondered when "fresh manna" will be released and promise an inflow of blogs to make up.
Every New year begins with the usual hoopla of Resolutions. From losing weight to quitting smoking....from decisions of commitment (to different things) to planning to achieve plenty. Every sane person commits himself to goals and aspirations for the 12months ahead. Making Resolutions are not in any way bad, nor unspiritual.
It's about setting sight on goals that you want to achieve with God's help and working your way to actualize them. And if "you commit your ways unto the Lord, he shall establish your paths". So let's go into the year, making God our fuel for life, his spirit our help and guide and his work our focus.
Set goals that borders around your ministry, your career, your family, your habits, your relationships and lots more. Write them down and commit to work at it. Pray God for enablement to follow through and not back off, trusting that his faithfulness avails all year round. Be Resolute about issues that concern you, but remember that it'll only work out when you first lay them down at the Lord's alter.
Check them against his fire of approval (yes, it's best if your desires are his' for you). Then get into the year ready to explode, the greater one by your side. All the best for 2006.
Every New year begins with the usual hoopla of Resolutions. From losing weight to quitting smoking....from decisions of commitment (to different things) to planning to achieve plenty. Every sane person commits himself to goals and aspirations for the 12months ahead. Making Resolutions are not in any way bad, nor unspiritual.
It's about setting sight on goals that you want to achieve with God's help and working your way to actualize them. And if "you commit your ways unto the Lord, he shall establish your paths". So let's go into the year, making God our fuel for life, his spirit our help and guide and his work our focus.
Set goals that borders around your ministry, your career, your family, your habits, your relationships and lots more. Write them down and commit to work at it. Pray God for enablement to follow through and not back off, trusting that his faithfulness avails all year round. Be Resolute about issues that concern you, but remember that it'll only work out when you first lay them down at the Lord's alter.
Check them against his fire of approval (yes, it's best if your desires are his' for you). Then get into the year ready to explode, the greater one by your side. All the best for 2006.
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