Don't Baby Me

Last night my girls were invited by a friend to attend a service at a local youth retreat. They are close friends and were excited to go with her to this service. This morning I asked them about last night. My 13 year old explained how it was okay and they talked about some things they talk about at our church's youth group. She didn't sound too thrilled so I asked her to give me more details. She said, "Well, they brought up some subjects, but they didn't really SAY anything about them. They didn't talk to anyone specifically or say anything that would really help with those issues. I like that at our youth group, they don't talk to us that way." 

After some more questioning, I got to what she was trying to say. They watered down their message. At the age of 13, she didn't want to hear about anxiety. She wanted to hear what the word of God says about how to deal with anxiety. She didn't want to be "babied" by the word, she wanted the hard hitting truth. 

How many of us, as adults, are okay with being babied by the word? How quickly are we offended by those who speak the hard hitting, unadulterated TRUTH of God's word? Do we crave true intimacy with God? Intimacy requires time spent together. It requires honesty and openness to feedback. It requires us to be willing to allow God to speak to us as adults. 

Have you ever had to confront someone on an issue and they responded like a toddler? They yell, pout,  and then give the silent treatment simply because you challenged them on something. How often do we respond to God in the same way when He points out an issue in our lives. By the way, He usually uses other people to help point out those issues. Ouch! 

So Church, it's time for us to grow up. Stop being offended by your pastor (and others) who speak the truth of God's word. Stop looking for churches and leaders who will baby you. Grow up. There's a whole generation following behind who need us. 

My 13 year old gets it. Do you?

For HIS Glory

Today I was listening to a worship song and singing happily along with the lyrics. As many of us do, I was singing without truly paying attention to the words I was speaking. Then, as usually happens when Tasha Cobbs enters the music rotation, God starts speaking. Here is what I was singing. 

Lord if I
Find favor in Your sight
Lord please
Hear my hearts cry

I'm desperately waiting
To be where You are
I'll cross the hottest desert
I'll travel near or far

For Your glory
I will do anything
Just to see You
To behold You as my King

For Your glory
I will do anything
Just to see you
To behold You as my King

After making this bold, heartfelt declaration, I heard God say "Really? You'll do anything? What about in ________?" I am inserting a blank here because the area God pointed out is one in which I have been struggling. You can insert your area of battle here for the sake of this illustration. Also, it's really none of your business what God called out on me. But I'm digressing.

He asked me....if it's for MY glory, are you willing to continue the fight? Will you quit before I get the glory? OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!

What if the very thing in life you are fighting is the exact thing God will use to bring glory to HIM? What will happen if you throw in the towel and quit? And I get it! Crossing the hottest desert and traveling near or far may seem like an easy option compared to the battle you are facing! Sign me up for the road trip any day! 

Even Jesus asked for God to "take this cup from me" (Matthew 26:39) as He was facing His death. Yet, He followed this cry by saying "Not MY will, but YOURS." When facing His biggest fight, He asked God to take it away. But He knew that taking the burden away was not why He was created. Taking the cross out of the picture would not bring God glory. Dying to self brings God glory! Let me say it again...

DYING TO SELF BRINGS GOD GLORY. IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!!!!

So I will keep fighting. I will continue in the place I have wanted to quit. Because I know it will bring Him glory. I just want to be where He is, and He's in the battle. He's in the places where I am tired. He's in the middle of it all. 

Click HERE to listen to For Your Glory by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.