1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Peter uses an interesting word, participate. Christianity certainly is not a spectator’s sport. We must be a participant. This would have made me feel guilty as a young christian, as I always felt I could do more. However, I learned the message of grace and a rest came upon me. So, I grown comfortable with a level of intensity. I feel that God is fine with that level.
I feel like God creates in us a level of intensity. Much like a car seems to have speeds where it performs the best. A car can go to the red line on it’s tachometer, but it’s not meant to stay there. It can go slow, but the circulation of all the fluids aren’t at it’s optimum. A ferrari is meant to go screaming fast. It will have mechanical problems, if not. A chevy suburban is meant to carry many people, but the motor is meant for a moderate pace. There is a range in which each is built.
We are all different and have different levels of intensity. 1 Corinthians 12:14 says, “For the body is not one member, but many.” Here Paul uses the analogy of a body. We are the different members. The brain works with incredible speed. While the colon works at a snails pace. Philipians 3:4-6 describe Paul’s resume. He was intense. He would have been at the top of his class at Harvard. However, some function better at a community college or with a trade.
This doesn’t mean we are to be complacent. We aren’t to put our faith on the shelf. There are activities that all christians should be involved in. They are attending church, reading the bible, praying, sharing our faith (being an influence) and ministry. That is the normal cruising speed.
Lord, thank You for Your grace by which You accept us and for the design for which You made us. Help us to function at that level.