The Heart of Christianity...

Sometimes I think we can over complicate simple profound life truths and work our lives into a place of such extreme excessive overload, we can lose the heart of Christianity…bear with me a moment on this, as this post, as always, is coming from my own experience and perspective.

I love the lyrics… “I’m coming back to the heart of worship and it’s all about You, all about You, Jesus!  I’m sorry Lord, for the thing I made it, when it’s all about You, all about You, Jesus!”

For me this chorus cries the humility needed for us to obey the 1^st great commandment – Love The Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  For the heart of Christianity is a renewed human being, with a heart dedicated to The Lord above all else.

The 2^nd is to love our neighbour as ourselves – So this is why the heart of Christianity is shown through Christians being selflessly dedicated to serving others above themselves.

The heart of Christianity is not about us – now this may seem oh so obvious – but I challenge you, along with me, to consider; how easy is it to live this out today in our post-Christian, self-centred, greed orientated societies?

I have only just realised that I have been in a season of excessive self-focus…

It happened oh so subtly and with me having good intentions.

After my ex-husband left, I found myself rediscovering who I was as an individual, daughter of God. While this was a very healthy experience, it continued and developed into self-obsession, under the idea that I needed to prepare myself to publically serve The Lord.  Now I’m not saying that self-reflection is wrong or that public ministry is either…rather we should have a balance and reflect upon whether our lives are truly living out the heart of Christianity.

I was continuing my theological study, yet feeling more and more overloaded and overwhelmed, and wondering why.  Even though logically I knew The Lord loved me regardless of my deeds done in love, I was placing burdens upon myself that increased my anxiety…I suppose wanting to be a perfect daughter/person I haven’t been in my life with others.  My personal Christian relationship became less focused upon Him and more focused upon me, and I realised this as my personal devotional time wasn’t what it used to be and that I had less love for others.  I was focusing more upon what The Lord would have me do, than simply loving Him, and being relaxed and open with what He may bring into my life…I wanted to know God’s plan which was all about me! 

Our lives have not been totally disastrous, for The Lord has been as faithful as always, carrying us through.  However I have had increased stress and anxiety and my children have been battered, become less disciplined, worldlier and also less happy.  Yet they also have voiced their desire recently to still be like Jesus and not the world…praise Him!

I remember before continuing my study and seeking The Lord’s direction, I believe I heard The Lord say, “Finish what you started” and this prompted me to continue my study.  While I don’t think studying was/is totally wrong, I now think that taking on the full-time load in 2013 was possibly not the best decision for my boys, as the study became my primary focus, over their Christian upbringing and wellbeing.

I have decided now to return to home-schooling my children.  I have done so in the past, and honestly they were the best times I have had with my children and the most fundamental for their Christian upbringing.   I have decided that I want to finish the rearing of my children, in the way of The Lord with Him…the time is short, and as a Christian mother this is my number one, selfless calling.

I’m coming back to the heart of Christianity and it’s all about Him, all about perfect Jesus being glorified – not me!  I know I have been somewhat distracted from what’s ultimately, my sole responsibility – raising my boys in The Way of The Lord!  I have been so focused on how I can be a light to others pointing to Jesus that I have forgotten that it’s not all about my efforts, just simple, humble, genuine Christian living where He gently guides.

I am remembering the simple truth that loving The Lord my God, with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and others as myself is the heart of Christianity, and should define our lives.

In love, Melanie :)