What Would Jesus Do?

As I sit here and reflect on random things in my life, as well as procrastinate on homework, I ask myself "what would Jesus do in this situation?" (referring to the situations I'm reflecting on).

What would Jesus do?

It's a popular question that I've often times heard people use in a joking sense, and more times than not, I pass over the question feeling as if I have the answers and know what to do. But really, what WOULD Jesus do in my situations in life? I need to face the fact that I don't have life together and that I don't know the answers to things usually. I think I need to be asking myself this a lot more and with the mentality of really thinking about what Jesus would do.

Of course, when I ask myself this, it's hard. It's uncomfortable. It's challenging. When I ask myself this, my selfishness and sins come out stronger and more fierce than ever before. I am revealed as to how I am actually not doing the right things in certain situations and that, if I handled things like Jesus would, they would turn out a lot differently. For example, if I would've reacted like Jesus in a certain situation recently, I would've loved on someone instead of being selfish with my time and wanting that time to myself. Or I would've showed up to something because it was special to that person, even if it wasn't what I wanted to do at that point and time. Perhaps, it would be something as small as not judging somebody for what they wear or do because I don't know what their life is like and I don't know their story. Instead, I could love on that person or compliment them because we all have something beautiful amidst our messes and brokenness.

This all being said, I know I'm not perfect and that it's impossible for me to be exactly like Jesus in every situation in my life. However, it is not impossible for me to strive to be more Christ-like and try my best to take on the attitude and approach that Jesus had when he was in human form on earth.

It is a daily struggle to do things for me. I wake up and the first thing I think about is something pertaining to me. I get home from class and the first thing I think about is what I have to do for myself so I can go to bed or have relaxation time for myself and when I want it. None of that is for the good of other people. It is not the heart Jesus has for people. I want to wake up and start praying that someone else has a great day before I pray for my day. I want to put Jesus and people before myself.

I am far from where I need and want to be in my journey of becoming more Christ-like but each day, I am lavished with God's grace and forgiveness and He allows me to go to bed knowing that it's okay and that I can wake up again the next day and continue to try.

We are never done growing in our relationship with Christ and sometimes that can be challenging to think about but it's also a beautiful thing, knowing that our God is so complex like that; knowing that such an amazing and complex God wants to seek and know broken humans like myself.


Blessings and Love,
Alissa

Living Like Paul

At church we are reading through Philippians. We are taking it apart and doing a chapter a week. I have read Philippians many times over but reading through all four chapters about ten minutes ago really stuck out to me more than any other time I've read through it.

A little background for those who may be unfamiliar with Philippians and might be wondering who the heck Paul is!

Paul is an apostle of Jesus. Up until a few books before Philippians, Paul was named Saul and was a murderer of Christians until Jesus sent Ananias to tell Paul to believe and changed Paul's mind. Philippians is a letter from Paul while he is in jail, written to believers in Philippi.

I am amazed by Paul and his rejoicing even though he is in jail. He is completely happy about being in jail because he knows that no matter what, the gospel is being shared and that he is suffering for God's glory. The words "rejoice" and "joy" are said throughout the letter. I know if that were me, I would not be positive and happy that I was in jail no matter how I ended up in there. I don't think I could take the mind of Paul and be joyful even in the darkest place.

Paul also talks about how he is confident in himself and in what God is doing in his life. I often times find myself not being confident in my periods of suffering and I most certainly don't rejoice and praise God when I'm in my own "prison." I instead am quick to be negative and complain about my life. How could I be so selfish? I am so beyond blessed and no matter what, I have an amazing God who only does things for the good of His children. I'm not feeling shame or guilt in being selfish but I am owning up to the fact that I have a very selfish outlook on life. 

Philippians 4:12-13 says "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 

Isn't it amazing that Paul is completely content no matter what situation he is in? And not only does he tell his brothers and sisters this but then he makes sure he gives due credit by exclaiming that he can feel this way because of God lavishing him with strength!!

Reading through this book made me smile on a day that has been very tiring, draining and taxing on me. I was not looking forward to the rest of my night but now feel rejuvenated and am confident that I can make it through the rest of the day and week. I came into this semester/new year with the goal of not complaining or being negative. When I went to church on Sunday and heard my pastor talk about rejoicing rather than complaining and whining in situations that are hard, I felt God's presence and felt that God was speaking it directly into my ears.

The truth is, I am human and I am in no way shape or form perfect, however I have a God who is and who can help me through everything and anything. I am nowhere near rejoicing during my times of suffering but I am slowly removing complaining and negativity from my life. I want to work towards having the attitude that Paul had while in prison.

Praise God!

God bless and much love,

Alissa <3