Last night, I started making caramel corn for the people I work with. I do it every year. And every year I have to find the recipe and remember the tricks. Except two years ago I wrote out the steps and the tricks and posted it. Last night I printed out the instructions and was back in the flow.
Sometimes I forget how to follow Jesus. I know, it sounds odd. Until, of course, you think about the four-year-olds you know who simply forget to pay attention to the person they are supposed to be following through the store. They get distracted by shiny objects.
At those times, I need to remember what to do. And I think that Peter (yes, Peter the disciple, the determined, the denier, the devoted) understood children getting lost. And so gives us a path forward.
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Quit pretending you understand. Quit making everyone miserable. Quit blaming everyone else for your choices and problems. Then, pursue the basics that will help you grow.
For example, go back to the first few pages of John and read about Jesus inviting people to follow. Or simple pray “help.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010