Friday 28 March 2008

Background

Wow, that's a tall order. What, everything? You see, Lord, thereare a lot of things that I don't think really fit in with thatidea. I live an ordinary life which involves washing and puttingcars in garages and feeding dogs and answering the phone. If I'mhonest with you, there's other stuff that I do that fits in evenworse - like shouting at people and making snap judgements anddoing myself down. How can all of that be done in your name?

I need a bit of radical re-working for that to happen. I need agood wash, inside and out, to get rid of some of those badtendencies. I need to put on better habits, like putting on a newsuit of clothes.

Let's face it - it's really too much for me to handle. The bestthing would be a completely new start. A way in which the old life- dedicated to pleasing me - could be put to death and a new lifegiven so that I could start again.

Now if that were possible, wouldn't it be great?

What's that Lord? You mean it can be done? Because Jesus died I canhave a new start? That's great. There's just one thing though. Howcan I avoid getting the new outfit all mucked up?

I see.

Christ is seated in heaven and I am to fix my mind on heavenlythings. I guess part of that means keeping my eyes on him andremembering that he has my life and it belongs to him. Then perhapsI can make a start at dedicating my life to him as I ought.

To Ponder

The above notes are one person's response to the challengeoffered by today's biblical passage. But what about you?

What parts of your life do you feel it hard todedicate to God? Are there areas of your life that you need to opento him?

How can being part of a Christian community helpus to dedicate ourselves to God?

What one thing can you do today to further yourself-dedication?