The past couple of weeks in our High School youth we have been discussing this idea of what Jesus means by going green (thank you LifeChurch for allowing people to use your resources!) The main scripture that it uses is John 15:1-6. This is when it discusses that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches and we should stay connected to Jesus in order to receive what we need and produce fruit; you know like the fruits of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
We talk a lot about receiving from God. Sometimes in a not so healthy way like he is our personal giant vending machine that gives us what we need if we put the right amount in. I think this can be true for our ministries. So often I put work into an event, or my ministry and I start expecting a certain outcome in return. Because I have spent x amount of hours planning for Sunday night God should provide me with at least x amount of students to show up. I know from experience this isn't always the case. Sometimes I prepare really well and nothing, and then sometimes I feel under prepared. What it really comes down to I think is where we are receiving our satisfaction.
This has been a focus on our study the past few week, what are you receiving satisfaction from and what are you rejoicing in? If it's not Jesus than what is consuming you that is better than Jesus? I throw out the typical examples for teens, is it sex, drugs, alcohol, boyfriends/girlfriends, popularity, academic success? All of these our good things when used properly and not to replace God (except for drugs, and possibly alcohol depending on who your asking). However, I wonder how often "godly" things or "religious' things get in our way of actually receiving satisfaction and rejoicing in Christ. If I am attempting to receive satisfaction from ministry then I am going to be disappointed. If I am attempting to receive satisfaction from how much money I tithe then I am going to be disappointed. If I am attempting to receive satisfaction from going to church then I am going to be disappointed.
The only thing that I will not be disappointed in is if I receive my satisfaction from Christ and out of that satisfaction flows ministry, tithes, family, relationships, church, work, everything. Only then can we be satisfied....easy said than done of course.
What do you look to satisfy you? If not Jesus, how is better than him?
