The Practical Disciple

 

I recently watched this video and it gave me pause to consider what “soundtrack” is playing inside of me.  I would like to think that it is always a joyful noise.  Unfortunately, I think other songs may be playing too often.  Songs like “I Know Your Out There Somewhere” by the Moody Blues… the lyrics are as follows.

Chorus:
I know you’re out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know I’ll find you somehow
Somehow, somehow
And somehow I’ll return again to you

The mist is lifting slowly
I can see the way ahead
And I’ve left behind the empty streets
That once inspired my life
And the strength of the emotion
Is like thunder in the air
cos the promise that we made each other
Haunts me to the end

Chorus

The secret of your beauty
And the mystery of your soul
Ive been searching for in everyone I meet
And the times I’ve been mistaken
It’s impossible to say
And the grass is growing
Underneath our feet

That’s not all of the lyrics, but you get the idea.  Other times, I think the “soundtrack” of my soul might be blues, a vengeful angry clatter, or perhaps the theme song to Mission Impossible.  If y0u haven’t watched the video yet, then do so.  This post will make a whole lot more sense.

What’s your sound track?  If you had to pick a couple of songs that characterize you what would they be?

If you don’t like the what you are hearing on the inside, then switch up the playlist.  You can do that in a number of ways.  Here are  just a few options:

1. Renew your mind by focusing on God’s Word.  Read, recite, memorize and internalize scripture.  Get verses stuck in your head.  The Psalmist wrote “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11.
2. Replace your thinking/behavior.  When you find yourself thinking of something you ought not to, then chose to focus your mind on the Godly opposite.  For example, if you find yourself judging someone, then pray God’s blessing for them and consider how they might actually be a gift from God for you.  Why has God placed you in each other’s path?  What ministry or growth opportunity is available?  Consider  Ephesians 4:31-32 as just one scriptural example, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
3. Practice gratitude.  When you find yourself depressed or mired in self pity, take time to be thankful.  In fact, don’t wait until then do practice an attitude of gratitude as an ongoing discipline in your life. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phillipians 4:6
4. Do what you do as if you were doing it for Jesus.  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive your reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”  Colossians 4:23-24.  It’s hard to moan, groan or complain in your heart if you opt to do whatever you are doing as if it where for Christ himself.  Actually, whatever we do is for Christ because our actions are a living witness.  Those actions will either speak to others well of Christ or poorly.  I find my attitude shift when I take mundane chores of life and do them as if they are doing them for Jesus.  I find that even simple task like cleaning my home are done with care and excellence if I do them as if I were doing them for Christ.  Try this and see how it alters the song of your soul.

Blessings to you from The Practical Disciple