My friend Suzanne has learned a good technique to use for remembering sermons or seminars. Focus on one thing. Is there one thing that stands out, one thing to apply, one thing that will trigger your memory later? Focus on that.
I haven’t set out very consciously to do this but there are times that I find it happening naturally anyway. My brain can only absorb so much unfortunately, so sometimes one thing stands out and sticks with me months and even years later. I will find myself contemplating the one thing often in various circumstances and it is beneficial to my soul.
Here is an example. A year ago our sister church hosted a seminar entitled How People Change. The teaching was good and full of examples but one thing the seminar presenter said is what has stuck with me. He said that when you get right down to it there are only two verses from the Bible that you really need to focus on in order to change. Mark 1:15b ...repent and believe in the gospel and Proverbs 3:5a trust in the Lord with all your heart.... Let me clarify that he wasn’t suggesting the rest of the Bible was useless but rather that changing our behavior is simpler than we usually make it.
Do you have a sinful habit you want to quit? Repent – acknowledge it as sin and turn from it, believe in the gospel, which says that Christ has paid for that sin and has broken the power over it, and trust in Him to give you the grace you need to fight it.
Is there bitterness in your heart toward another person? Repent, despite feelings we usually know deep down that unforgiveness is wrong. Confess that to God; believe in the gospel that tells you how much Christ has forgiven you. Even your unforgiveness was enough sin to cause God’s wrath to be upon you but Christ has taken away that condemnation. Amazing! Trust in the Lord to give you a heart of love instead.
See, simple isn’t it? Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest. Especially when your feelings go against them. Usually these steps need to be repeated over and over, it is definitely not a magic formula for success but it works because it moves our focus from our sin and ourselves to our Savior. Think about it.
- Repent – that means we have to acknowledge and hate our sin enough to want to be rid of it. In doing so we are required to turn to God.
- Believe in the gospel – after we’ve taken our nasty sin to God he gives us the antidote – Jesus paid for it on the cross completely and if he cancelled our record of sin he surely will be faithful to eradicate it from our lives. Our eyes rest on him
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart- does doubt creep into your heart when it comes to that thing you’ve been struggling with? Don’t you see that’s because your gaze has drifted from the Savior to yourself. That’s why we must always trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. He is always faithful to his promises. If we cling to His character we find the assurance we need.
Have I implemented this perfectly in my life since that seminar? I wish! But, the last time I was wrestling so much with my pride I felt God reminding me through it. “You know what you need to do Joy – repent and believe the gospel, trust me.” Did it happen immediately? Again, I wish! But God is patient and he keeps speaking tome about that one thing I need to do. I’m sure he will continue to remind me until the day I die.
Comments
May. 15, 2009 - Once again...
Posted by baronsgirl
...very wise words! Thanks for sharing this. How I need to do it. I'm asking the Lord to help me remember this and bring it to mind OFTEN ('cause that's how much I'll need it!): Repent, believe the Gospel, and trust in the Lord with all my heart! Thanks, my friend. Love you!
May. 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Mary
Thanks Joy! I was at that seminar too, and yet often forget the simplicity of repenting, believing in the gospel, and trusting in the Lord. Thanks for the reminder. I need to do that right away in one area of sin God is speaking to me about. Thanks again!
Mary