On Emmaus Road

So, it’s Saturday - not Friday and this is an important detail. If you’ve been following along since the beginning you’ll know that this month my plan was to post on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays. I am a goal oreinterinted person and if I say I’m going to do something I do it. So the fact that it’s Saturday and not Friday is a pretty big deal.

This week I was busy, but not especially so. I knew I had things later in the week and should write Friday’s blog early in the week when I had more time. Instead of using my time wisely I chose to binge a Netflix’s show (Cheer - if you were wondering). I totally enjoyed it and wasn’t overly concerned about making that Friday deadline. But as a the week worn on I was busier and more tired than I expected.

It was four o’clock yesterday and I was like; “Shoot. I have to go write a blog and all I want to do is sleep. I have no idea what to write, but I have to put it up. I have to make my deadline.” There are a whole lot of I’s in those statements and nothing about Jesus.

It’s funny in a way because, as soon as I realized that, I knew exactly what the post should be about. Exactly what God was trying to teach me in this week’s scripture.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

James 3: 13 - 16

I had read chapter three of James several times this week trying to see what the Lord was saying to me and I kept coming up empty. But when I realized my thought process about Friday’s blog, I realized it was about selfish ambition.

Self ambition in being able to say I did post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in January. A selfish kinda pride that had nothing to do with content and my hopes of its impact - but instead of a desire to feel accomplished in a measurable way.

I cannot tell you how tempting it was to write last night. Especially since I knew what to write and that there were still a few hours left in the day to meet my goal. It was really tempting. However, it was also a great gut check on my motives and desires. It is making me reassess and pause to listen to God’s leading, instead of rushing ahead.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3: 17 - 18

There is a lot to unpack in those two verses, but it does make discerning what to do in all situations easier. I want to make sure the wisdom I am choosing to listen to is coming from heaven and not the world. Will I do that in the future? Only time will tell.

What tough lesson is God trying to teach you this week, friends? How are you going to respond to it?

To Everything There Is A Season…

Kiley Ann