You Can’t Microwave It
As a pastor, for years, I’ve had to fight the temptation to want followers of Christ to be further down the road spiritually than they actually are. I’ve readily admitted my life verse is Galatians 4:19 where Paul says… “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” More than anything else in my life, I want to see Christ formed in the lives of the individuals God has entrusted me to lead.
But all of us who desire to see life change in the people around us need to remember a very important point.
You can’t microwave spiritual formation.
Whether you’re praying for your husband to grow, or you want to see your kids make the right decisions, or you’re frustrated that your church isn’t where they need to be spiritually, or your small group is lagging behind your expectations, please remember…
In the spiritual life there are no shortcuts. Those who
imagine that they can discover spiritual gimmicks and
put them to work for themselves usually ignore God’s
will and his grace. (Thomas Merton)
45 Comments:
I notice that some people don’t even realize that they require spiritual formation. I am speculating but I think this might have to do with a few things such as:
1. They don’t read their Bible which if one stumbles over one of Paul’s letters they would notice a lot of encouragement for their own spiritual formation.
2. Their church doesn’t really encourage spiritual formation because they over emphasis just getting saved.
3. Or maybe they are not meeting together with other believers and receiving encouragement in the journey of their spiritual formation.
4. Or *gulp* they don’t care.
With myself I know it helps if people are patient. I’ll get there and probably won’t be where they think I should be. I can think of two people in my past who got really angry at me for my lack of spiritual formation. Their anger hurt more than it helped. BTW I don’t recall seeing that type of anger as listed as one of the fruits of the spirit.
I am just thankful that there are people who are encouragers and who don’t try and speed up the process of spiritual formation. Just provide us opportunities.
This may be taking this text out of context but, Matt 12:20, A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out…
Encouraging words work best for people who on this journey of following Jesus. Push to hard and we might get snuffed out (discouraged). I do think we microwave our Marines but that is a different type of formation.
Have a great Thanksgiving Pete.
David Knapp´s last blog ..McDonalds Is Going Green In Germany
[Reply]
David Knapp
7:48 am
It’s this kind of heart that makes me so very happy my kids have chosen CP to plug into, and for you to be their guide. In this season, Pete, my wife and I are thankful for you and your family and your leadership group.
Happy Thanksgiving Pete, and remember, things cooked in the microwave are not near as tasty as the slowly cooked…
[Reply]
woody
7:49 am
@Woody, So true bro. Thanks for your encouragement. I take the responsibility of leading your daughters very seriously.
Happy Thanksgiving!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
8:06 am
It is so sad that we have even think this way!! Sometimes EVEN a microwave is not quick enough for us. Thanks for your teachings and I hope you & Brandi & boys have a wonderful Thanksgiving:)
[Reply]
Lorelei King
8:13 am
So true. The best thing I ever did was lay my frustration, impatience and even anger over waiting for Adam to come to Christ at the foot of His cross. It was so hard…
Adam now is growing so much in his faith. And that was a whole OTHER letting go experience! As soon as he gave his life to Christ, I think I was expecting him to become this great theologian overnight or something. I had to get my impatience the boot AGAIN. God and he are working themselves out. And it’s amazing to watch.
Sometimes, taking the back seat and just going along for the ride can be the most wonderful, beautiful thing.
Jen´s last blog ..Home is Heaven
[Reply]
Jen
8:14 am
Tested by fire not infared rays…fire melts the impurities and lets the truth shine. Rays obliterate and destroy…not helpful. Jesus is interested in building our character for His Name sake and shaping us for His use in the Kingdom. i enjoy your messages! Happy Thanksgiving!
[Reply]
Mary West
8:17 am
“Praying for my husband to grow”…that’s where I am at. And I have learned that the 3 most important words in a marriage are…
*Jesus you fixem’*
)
Cause I can’t and it’s not my job.
Thankfully the Lord is still working on me as well. And He has never given up on this broken person.
Take care,
Amy
[Reply]
crumbsonmyfloor
8:46 am
This was good, real good!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Pete!!
Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving Eve!
[Reply]
Lauren Kelly
8:48 am
So you’re saying my faith journey is in a crockpot? I can live with that, as long as I keep it plugged in and it keeps simmering away.
Thank you for your ministry that has blessed me from over 500 miles away. May you and your adorable family have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Candy´s last blog ..The Pomegranate Within
[Reply]
Candy
8:51 am
@Candy, I like the crockpot analogy.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
8:53 am
Great post…….stepped on my toes a bit, but a well needed crunch. I struggle with wanting a few people in my life to “catch up” to me with my spiritually…..and now, after typing that, how arrogant/lofty do I sound? woah.
I love Candy’s reference to a “crock-pot” style journey…continuously simmering in His word.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Pete!
*~Michelle~*´s last blog ..Gobble Gobble……Happy Thanksgiving to You!
[Reply]
*~Michelle~*
8:57 am
We’ve grown up in a generation of microwave everything. Everything is instant, and if it’s not instant, give it a min. in the microwave and your good.
Recently I came to terms with the fact that I can’t microwave my relationship with Jesus. And when you think about it… even if you could would you want to? Isn’t the relationship founded in the journey, not the destination!?
[Reply]
Devon Groner
9:15 am
We’ve grown up in a generation of microwave everything. Everything is instant, and if it’s not instant, give it a min. in the microwave and your good.
Recently I came to terms with the fact that I can’t microwave my relationship with Jesus. And when you think about it… even if you could would you want to? Isn’t the relationship founded in the journey, not the destination!?
[Reply]
Devon Groner
9:16 am
Thanks for the reminder…I needed that this morning!
Alison´s last blog ..Show Us Your Life – Pet Edition
[Reply]
Alison
9:16 am
I like to compare this idea to Aldi vs Whole Foods.
Sure Aldi (I hope you have that in Nashville, because if not I look really stupid) is cheap in price but also cheap in food quality. Whole Foods is more expensive but better in food quality.
I think for myself I would much rather take the cheap, easy way out, then take the more costly harder way because I get fast results and can then move onto to things i want. What I miss is the effects that happen down the road.
You cannot deep cook a microwaved faith, it will just explode.
Good stuff Pete
Kyle Reed´s last blog ..Looking Good?
[Reply]
Kyle Reed
9:34 am
Right! But I was expecting to see JiffyPop popcorn. Or another dead squirrel.
Joshua Skogerboe´s last blog ..throwing money at my mom :: the key to a happy life
[Reply]
Joshua Skogerboe
9:34 am
Amen!! I needed to read this last night! Thanks for the reminder Pete!
[Reply]
Katy M
9:34 am
A slow rise always sustains longer than a quick rise. Over night success usually results in overnight failure.
@b_rewster´s last blog ..Give Thanks Week: Tuesday
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@b_rewster
9:40 am
So true! I have been guilty for so long of expecting people to adhere to my timelines of spiritual development. In 3 weeks you should be here… in 3 months here… in 3 years here, etc.
It just doesn’t work like that. My spiritual growth has come periods of rapid growth along with periods of very slow growth or even regression.
Nice post, Pete.
[Reply]
Corbett Reeves
9:43 am
This is such an encouragement, but especially to those of us who are pastors. Have a great Thanksgiving!
[Reply]
Eddie
9:54 am
Thank you for this important reminder today. Sometimes I think I can “force” spiritual formation with my convincing words, but that never ever works. Prayer and patience.
Hilary´s last blog ..Seasons Change.
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Hilary
10:05 am
Sometimes I just wish that spiritual crock pot would turn from ultra low to ultra high.
Thanks for the post Pete. Have a good Thanksgiving.
Jason´s last blog ..God showed us one of the reasons we’re in Nashville…
[Reply]
Jason
10:06 am
I have experienced a great deal of loss in the past two years. God has carried me out of a very dark place… And, as Christ continues to walk with me, I have had the gift of enjoying the fruits that have come about because of the pain I experienced. My knee jerk reactions are now to Christ first…
Though now, after I am moving forward in my life I do have joy after struggle… But worry about growth. Like I’m in a honeymoon waiting for the bottom to fall out. I have been meditating on the Faith chapter and I am praying for this area in my life as well.
Taking Heart´s last blog ..The Reality of the Situation
[Reply]
Taking Heart
10:20 am
I think I needed to hear this today. My problem is being overwhelmed in my frustration with what others put in their crock pots. If you are building on fluff…building on lies. If you don’t water the roast it’s bound to dry out.
For me it’s not a hurry up and get there already…it’s a “ok folks let’s add some truth.” Nourish and season what you have, what God has given. Don’t settle.
jessica´s last blog ..The Tale of Hope
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jessica
10:23 am
I had this revelation not too long ago.
My roommate was saying Christians aren’t having an effect on the entertainment industry & never will.
I think that we expect results NOW as we have become the microwave generation (everything is “now” or “instant”) but making a change as big as reclaiming the entertainment industry will take time & patience!
[Reply]
Heather Rene
10:57 am
For me, I have come to realize that my role as a pastor is help create an environment for growth and life transformation. I can’t make people grow or be transformed (that is the Holy Spirit’s job) but I can help create an environment where growth and life transformation can happen.
Kevin M.´s last blog ..Make a difference in someone else’s life today!
[Reply]
Kevin M.
11:06 am
This couldn’t have come at a better time for me, Pete. Just this morning I was praying for my husband (he does not know the Lord). I often find myself wishing he was ready NOW– if only we were on this journey together… how much easier things would be. But I have to remember it is all in God’s timing and all I can do at this point is pray and be an example to my husband. I’m also a work in progress myself and have to remember this for my own spiritual formation. Thank you for your encouraging words. I hope you know how much of an impact you are making on my life (clear across the country)!
Happy Thanksgiving!
[Reply]
Tatum
11:37 am
Too weird. I was just talking to (freaking out at) Mike this morning about one of our kids that is on a wrong path. I’m praying like crazy and seem to be getting crazier with every day that passes and “nothing” happens.
This was from God’s mouth to my heart. And can I just say 2 things…thank you for being the vessel and … ouch.
Robin´s last blog ..Twas the night before Thanksgiving…
[Reply]
Robin
12:31 pm
@Robin, so glad it was helpful. I think this lesson has to be most difficult in the arena of parenting. Praying for you guys.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
1:09 pm
Isn’t Merton considered a mystic?
I wonder if it’s simply a matter of TIME or if it’s a matter of situations. (I hate to say “experience” but it’s probably an accurate word)
I don’t know. I think one can go about for years, with little strife, reading one’s Bible daily, seeing God’s beauty and thinking that one’s relationship with God is going well but still wondering: Is it real? Is it lacking in something?
I don’t ever want to get to a point where the world I’ve created is crashing down around me but I wonder if the people that have this experience grow more quickly than someone that is just cruising through a comfortable life? It seems my friends that are “more mature” are also the ones that have had to go through a lot and in a way have been forced to see Jesus in a way I’ve never encountered Him. My friends that have truly experienced “rock bottom” have a quiet, assured, beautiful faith that I wonder if it’s attainable without sorrow, hardship, and tears.
Of course; I don’t ever want to get to the point where Christ is all I cling to, yet I am constantly reminded that shouldn’t I be living like that, thinking like that already? Is it even possible to live in the knowledge of his saving grace to that profound depths without actually experiencing it?
Wait; Now I’m sounding like a mystic……
Torybee´s last blog ..Solo Christo
[Reply]
Torybee
2:13 pm
@Torybee, It’s not “either or” or “both and” in my mind. Situations come with time.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
3:13 pm
Definitly agree with your thoughts. Sometimes as a pastor myself I have wished many times that they would be ahead of where they are spiritually. If that was the case for all our churches/communities of faith we would be doing great things for God. But I do have to remember that we plant the seed and God gives the growth. Just takes longer sometimes!
Byron Wade´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving!
[Reply]
Byron Wade
6:24 pm
I personally needed to hear this today. I made a HUGE mistake at work today. I acknowledged it, apologized for it, but still felt bad about it. All through out the day it was like God was saying to me life is a learning process…make mistakes and move on. I’m definitely grateful your post helped confirm what I heard. Thanks Pete…and happy thanksgiving!
Michael Holmes´s last blog ..Why You Won’t Have to Wrestle Anyone for This FREE Book Giveaway
[Reply]
Michael Holmes
6:40 pm
So so so true. I look at myself 10 years ago, and while I was on a good path, I was so far from where I am now. But I wouldn’t have understood any of the lessons then. I would never have understood the spirit behind the lessons if I hadn’t lived through the trials.
And I know I’m still just simmering… and I know there are many ingredients for Him to still add to make me into what He needs. Even if it means He has to turn up the heat now and then
gitz´s last blog ..Attitude of Gratitude
[Reply]
gitz
8:59 pm
@torybee: “My friends that have truly experienced “rock bottom” have a quiet, assured, beautiful faith that I wonder if it’s attainable without sorrow, hardship, and tears.”
Speaking as someone who walked the road of your friends…I pray you can find it without all of those things.
Jason´s last blog ..Why we need People of the Second Chance
[Reply]
Jason
10:17 am
@Jason, I totally agree, and yet after I posted that I realized that I have my own share of hardships that I don’t consider “horrible” because I’ve already gone through them and have emerged intact, yet others might look at my life and see that it’s not always been easy. Yet I know that I truly lead a life of great blessing and abundance.
@pete, I agree, not sure I like it but I agree.
Torybee´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving!
[Reply]
Torybee
10:59 am
I SO tend to do this w/my friends/family….and then I step back and look at MY OWN LIFE….yikes… I quickly shut my brain down and pray and let GOD take it!! It’s HIS job anyway…
DEb´s last blog ..Boulevard Bolt – 2009
[Reply]
DEb
1:35 pm
Oh…and btw….HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
DEb´s last blog ..Boulevard Bolt – 2009
[Reply]
DEb
1:36 pm
Thank you for this. I always seem to forget this when I think about or pray about those closest to me…but then I am reminded about my shortcomings and then dangit!! There is that thing about a plank or wood something that goes in your eye. Something like that – that I heard once somewhere.
[Reply]
kristiapplesauce
10:42 pm
I read this book in college by Dutch Sheets, I’ll have to double check the book title, that had one of the best quotes in it, “We are into microwaving God is into maranating”
(Well that’s the general idea of it)
Sarah´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: The Verdict Is….
[Reply]
Sarah
7:44 am
Thanks. This was convicting and thought-provoking. I completely agree. Although sometimes I feel really lazy and just wish I could nuke myself…
Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..With Gratitude, Part Three
[Reply]
Lindsey Nobles
10:10 am
I suffer from spiritual impatience with myself for sure. For some reason with others, I tend to be able to have more patience; to meet them where they are and walk alongside them. I wish I could extend the same grace to myself…Great post, Pete!
Chrystie´s last blog ..A Love Story
[Reply]
Chrystie
11:15 am
We certainly live in an instant, disposable, consumer-driven culture. A culture which is very contrary to the long haul of the Christ Follower’s journey. Thanks for the reminder. I, too, thank you for your ministry and the impact God is having on my daughter there.
Blessings, bro.
Randy Kinnick´s last blog ..What a Piece of Work
[Reply]
Randy Kinnick
1:35 pm
There have been many movements in the church over the years that have promised instant spiritual growth. In the 80’s the charismatic movement subtly promised spiritual glory through spiritual gifts. John Maxwell promised it through better leadership skills. Benny Hinn wanted to slay us in the spirit. All I knew is that there was no magical touch that would supersize my spiritual life…I would have to do it the old fashion way…”earn it!” There are no shortcuts!
[Reply]
Brian Harrell
5:16 pm
I wrote about this once. I grew up in a Baptist church where “discipleship” was a class. A list of activities and a checklist. Then I moved on to a charismatic congregation and spiritual change happened supernaturally in a moment – “poof!” – you were changed. What I’ve learned is that neither one of these is correct. There is some of each involved as we grown into the image of Christ, but either one is too trite to be all there is. The work of God is deep, and amazing. It is not cheap or easy. It is mysterious and – at times – inexplicable.
It’s a journey, not a quick trip to Wal-Mart!
Jan Owen´s last blog ..What I’m Thinking as I Visit Your Church
[Reply]
Jan Owen
10:24 pm