Living in Pursuit of Jesus

[ShelleyMaxwell]

A short post to get me back into regular prowling of the TJ boards. ;P

Hi folks! I recently got to reading 'Not a Fan' and am quite enjoying it and finding it rather inspirational. But alas, difficulty! I want to live a life worthy of and 'in pursuit of' Jesus as the author details so eloquently in the book. But... how do I do that?

I'm 24 years old, live in the spiritual wasteland of Montreal, Quebec (there are churches, but they're mostly Francophone, Catholic, etc, and the local culture/population is severely secular), am a student in Animal Health Technologies (to be a veterinary nurse of sorts), so as such I'm strapped for time due to school work and further strapped for cash (due to sub-minimum-wage job with few hours because of school and some student loans). Given that, how can I live every day in pursuit of Christ in a truly active, devoted way? Examples:

I do want to start a project where I knit hats/socks for the homeless in the area, who are so often underdressed for our devastating winters. Will be pursuing that tomorrow. I'd love to donate to the homeless I see on the streets, but the last few times I'd donate to one another would come violently harass me for any other money I have (one pushed me to go to an ATM. SCARY!) I guess my real question is... how do you reconcile the strenuous needs of the modern world and the dangers and stresses therein with what Christ calls us to do with our lives?

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

How do I do so? I read this and want to, but then my brain goes, "You can't do that. You have to finish school and work more so you can AFFORD to. You don't have time." That kind of thing.

GAH.

Michelle <3

 

[Victor9509]

I would say join one of the churches because God never changes. He is a loving God. And those thoughts believe it or not are from the devil he doesn't want you to know or accept Jesus . To tell you the truth lucifer=satan=devil they are all the same people . Lucifer was an angel of light and that's what lucifer means and there came a day were lucifer tried to take over the kingdom of God because there can only be one God and he thought he could do a better job than God himself so he was sent to hell. And now he wants your life to be miserable and it says in the bible that the devil comes to "steal kill and destroy" your life because he's not in heaven ... That's what he wants ... Do not let the devil win over your life.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

How do I do so? I read this and want to, but then my brain goes, "You can't do that. You have to finish school and work more so you can AFFORD to. You don't have time."

My answer is simple but challenging; turn your will and your life over to Him a kazillion times a day if necessary (like I do) and quit trying to steer the boat yourself.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)

 

[Brad Huber]

Help the needy as you can, but share mostly the greatest gift you currently have... knowledge of the one true God! Share the faith about Christ and His redemption and love of us.

 

[shibby_gurl]

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

I agree that it is our job as Christians to serve Christ and represent His name in our daily lives but the question you asked is HOW?

Shelley, we all have unique, God-given talents. I personally can't sing, can't dance, can't do sports, to be honest. But I am good at writing. I am good at school. I am also good at my chosen profession (in healthcare) so with those strengths, I represent Jesus and take up His cross by doing the best with what I can do. If you wish to take up His cross, then know your talents. Use your strengths to help others. This is how you best represent Jesus Christ in our modern society.

 

[clark thompson]

When we bare His cross, we are to give our life for service He wants us to do.

 

[ShelleyMaxwell]

Hmm... maybe, in addition to the knitting, I should look into becoming certified in companion animal therapy! That would be neat! More beneficial to people than being one of many veterinary nurses...
Thank you all for the much-appreciated input. I'm thinking I'll go to the evening mass at my old church tomorrow since I have to work Sunday. It's a bit far away, but everything felt 'right' at that church before I moved away. :smiley:

 

[shibby_gurl]

Hmm... maybe, in addition to the knitting, I should look into becoming certified in companion animal therapy! That would be neat! More beneficial to people than being one of many veterinary nurses...
Thank you all for the much-appreciated input. I'm thinking I'll go to the evening mass at my old church tomorrow since I have to work Sunday. It's a bit far away, but everything felt 'right' at that church before I moved away. :smiley:

There are non-profit organizations that need knitters to make blankets and/caps for babies in Africa. This is how we use our strengths to help our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Just do a google search and you'll find such organizations.

 

[Slowmo]

I also live in Montreal. Perhaps we could share resources?

 

[Ignis_et_Lux]

Hmm... maybe, in addition to the knitting, I should look into becoming certified in companion animal therapy! That would be neat! More beneficial to people than being one of many veterinary nurses...
Thank you all for the much-appreciated input. I'm thinking I'll go to the evening mass at my old church tomorrow since I have to work Sunday. It's a bit far away, but everything felt 'right' at that church before I moved away. :smiley:

I think you're off to an excellent start. I don't really have anything specific to add, as most of the previous posters have said it best, but I think the fact that you are aware of paying it forward and also have the desire to further Christ's love, He will open up a path (or many paths!) for you to follow.

 

[PrayerWarr1or]

I agree that it is our job as Christians to serve Christ and represent His name in our daily lives but the question you asked is HOW?

Shelley, we all have unique, God-given talents. I personally can't sing, can't dance, can't do sports, to be honest. But I am good at writing. I am good at school. I am also good at my chosen profession (in healthcare) so with those strengths, I represent Jesus and take up His cross by doing the best with what I can do. If you wish to take up His cross, then know your talents. Use your strengths to help others. This is how you best represent Jesus Christ in our modern society.

Very well said sister