a costly choice

Matt and I are in Colorado with the kids. I am so grateful for this opportunity to get away and relax with my family!! Even the mundane daily routines of life are more fun when you're on vacation. =) We also had a fabulous weekend at home before we left for the mountains. Our Saturday service was so encouraging in so many ways.

Most of all, I was so moved by the message. The topic dealt with the issue of materialism, and about how we can get so wrapped up in our stuff (or the stuff we wish we had). The speaker was teaching from a passage in Luke where a woman breaks a bottle of perfume (worth over a year's salary!!) over Jesus' head. She was doing this humble, generous, beautiful thing. . . and the disciples scoffed at her - saying that she had wasted precious funds that could have gone to something meaningful, like helping the poor. Now, obviously God cares about the poor. The scriptures are filled with verses that talk about how we are to take care of those who are in need. . . but in this instance, Jesus didn't agree with his annoyed disciples. He applauded the woman for her bold, heart-felt offering. Our speaker connected that story to what many of us experience today. He said that when we step out and take bold steps in our faith, allowing our relationship with God to permeate every corner of our lives, we tend to get criticized too. I don't know why, but it happens all the time.

It was really easy for me to get overwhelmed and discouraged when Matt and I first started working in ministry. I had these naive assumptions that everything would be peachy - that people would see our passion and motivation and just run alongside us, helping and encouraging us, and holding us accountable in our walks with Christ. But I very quickly realized that not everyone appreciated our attempts. I don't mean that in a bitter or judgemental way. I just mean (quite literally) that not everyone sees life with God exactly the same way, nor do they prioritize exactly the same way. So what I may see as one of the greatest and most important goals in living out my faith, another might see as a simplistic distraction from the things that really matter.

I'm not done processing what all of that means, or how I'm supposed to respond in the meantime. . . but I was so encouraged to know that I am not alone in these experiences. And just because I often feel discouraged doesn't mean that I have it all wrong. No matter what anyone says or thinks, my ultimate goal is first and always to love Jesus and live to honor his legacy and work on earth.

If you find yourself in a situation like this, where you think you are making good choices that reflect the character and priorities of God - but others are criticizing your actions. . . remember that they might not always be right. And before we accept their words and turn from our path, we must search out the written word of God for direction, encouragement, and perspective.

After all, I'd much rather hear a "well done" from my Father in heaven than my audience here on earth. . . I'll take an eternity over 15 minutes any day.