This post is essentially the message shared today at the Milton Keynes Christian Centre by Billy Ritchie.
Heb 11:39 -12:2
The author of Hebrews compares life to a race but sees this race more as a marathon than a sprint.
When following Jesus an 'endurance' mindset is greater than having an 'instant' mindset. There is room for the instant in God's kingdom as we are instantly transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light when we give our lives to God. The key issue is not to focus on the instant but on the long term sustainability of our relationship with God. God's plan for this relationship is covered through discipleship. Following him and sharing with those around us of his goodness in our lives. "Let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Discipleship is about sharing experiences and about the process. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
When following Jesus, being a pilgrim is greater than being a tourist who visits a spiritual attraction once in a while and returns home till the next visit. We are on a spiritual journey and are pilgrims here because we are citizens of heaven which is our spiritual home. We are not seeking a temporary spiritual high but rather a spiritual home that is on high.
7 habits of a pilgrim
There are seven key habits of a pilgrim which have been identified by Jonathan Edwards
•Pilgrims are not diverted from their aim
•Pilgrims are to hold the things of this world loosely
• Pilgrims become like what they hope to attain. As we seek Jesus earnestly, we become more and more like him
• Pilgrims will not be satisfied with anything less than God
• Pilgrims are not grieved by their arrival at the journey's end
• Pilgrims ponder what they pursue
• Pilgrims travel together
God uses discipleship to shape us and guide us as we live between times and experiences (of good and not so good; of doubt and faith etc) that shape our lives.
