I was reminded the other day of something I had read in The Shattered Lantern 
The original sin of Adam and Eve, the prototype of all sin, is presented as a failure to be receptive and grateful.
Just think about it for a second. God creates Adam and Eve and places them in the garden where they are surrounded by unmistakable beauty and all the goodness of life. They are experiencing the fullness of life, the way it was intended to be and are promised it will continue…under one condition. Just don’t eat the fruit of a certain tree.
However, we all know they would eventually fail to receive life as a gift and instead try to seize it as if it were owed to them.
When I think of my own life and the sin that often creeps in, it usually begins with my failure to see life as a gift.
My lust.
My pride.
My anger.
My lack of forgiveness.
It’s all the overflow of a heart which begins to believe that something is “owed” to me and it keeps me from being fully present and appreciative of what I have.
I’m wondering how different today would be for each one of us if we seek to go through this day to day viewing our life, our circumstances, our relationships, and yes, even our hardships and challenges as gifts. As opportunities to be the men or women God has created us to be.
Today I seek to be receptive, grateful and simply present.
As you know I’m a huge fan of the Catalyst Conference and all God is using them to accomplish. This year’s Catalyst Atlanta conference, Oct 5-7, has an amazing theme of “Be Present.” I can’t wait to see how these two amazing days help us learn to “be present” in our lives and ministry. Today, August 25th, is the early bird deadline for Catalyst conference so if you haven’t already, jump over there and register today.
So very true. Always trying to be present and grateful.
There can be many obstacles that can keep you from being fully present. I developed a course called Celebrating Financial Freedom that demonstrates this when it comes to finances.
When we fail to see that the gift of money and resources that God provides us with as His, then our pride and selfishness can get in the way and we can misuse that to our detriment by getting into debt, not tithing or giving,etc.
When we aren’t grateful for what we have we tend to be less able to connect to Him and ultimately lead the more blessed life that He wants for us. When we treat what He’s given us the right way, we are able to be more present with Him because less of the troubles of the world are dragging us down.
So true Jason. I bet your material is powerful.
Pete, I am on board with the idea that to be happy, joyous and free, I have to live life one day at a time. I do not encounter God in my past or my future. I can only encounter God right now.
And yet, I find the execution of this vital practice somewhat of a riddle. I can’t choose this attitude of gratitude on my own. If I could fix myself in that regard, I would! Instead, my hunch is that I have to do my part (action that may unblock me from the Spirit), and God has a part only He can do: Change the desires of my heart. If I am grinding out being present and grateful, that doesn’t bring peace. And so I have to not only be present, but patient. When will God “create in me a new heart with clean thoughts and right desires?”
My dilemma is that I stumble while waiting. Why does God wait to do His part?
Dang Dirk. I think you make a great point and I’m not sure I have a great answer.
I may need some time to think on this one. Thanks so much for making me think.
Good thought…I agree that it cannot be that we force ourselves to do what God wants ultimately… He will have to change our hearts, but then again we just need to abide in Him, so out of obedience do it until He changes our hearts accordingly?
Why is He waiting? patience and more trust… faith, in what we cannot see? knowing that what He says is true without a shadow of a doubt, holding on to it even if we are disappointed with our own efforts?
serve HIm while we are waiting?
these are my thoughts on that
Devin thank you for the link. You and the sounds are great examples of love and living for the Lord. Thank you
Today appreciation is fleeting; it doesn’t remain for long in the forefront; it recedes to the back like a wave going back out.
People who keep appreciation & living fully present in the forefront are pure delight; they make God smile:)
I agree with everything you are saying, been pondering this alot lately. To be fully present and to be appreciative of what I have is my theme today. The word narcissim keeps coming up and how the root of that is the word “ME” and “pride” ( my interpretation). I am more aware of this in me and see it in others that need healing from deep heart issues of their past. I want to make excuses for them because I know that they are not whole, so complex….. and frustrating. Time to think differently, self-pity is an enemy to being present. I will look for that book you quoted from……
Why is it so common practice that we fellowship in the commonality of our sin, instead of having fellowship in the commonality of our faith?
I think we should have a balance of both. My sin reminds me just how much I need a Savior. My faith reminds me of the power of the Gospel and the freedom that comes along with it.