Hi family!
I just finished reading a book. Strong in the Day of Battle by T. Austin-Sparks. It's a Christian book, but it has applications I believe for everyone.
In one of the chapters it's talk about settling before the victory is complete. In the book Israel was told to rid the land of their enemies. They did most if it, but grew complacent and settled at driving out most, but not all of the enemy. They settled. Because of this these enemies continued to be a thorn in their side throughout history...even into the present.
It got me thinking...where have I settled? Where have I become complacent and lazy and felt something was good enough instead of completing the victory?
Oh I could tell you years of stories where I did this....but, since there is a theme of change in many of the blogs today, I decided to focus on that. Now, you are all going to have to do your own personal evaluation to really get anything out of this, but I have one personal issue to share.
My issue involved personal growth. We all have areas where we desire more growth. A better Dom. A better sub. A better friend. And so on. My area was Christian (spiritual) growth. Ever since becoming a Christian I gave been hungry to know more. I would devour the Bible, books and listen to christian teachers. I was growing. Then one day I looked around and saw that I was better than most Christians in this area. So...i settled. I stopped doing so much reading. I just went with the flow. Why should I learn more? No one understands what im talking about now.
I went through the motions. I was no longer hungry. I had settled.
As a result I started to spiritually atrophy. Relationships began to suffer. I started to give in to desires I hadn't had in a long time. The enemy that was a thorn in my side started to take back areas where I had defeated him. I found myself in bondage again. So, recently, God woke me up and with His help...and the help from all of you I picked myself up and started reading again. And what was the first book on the pile for me to read? You guessed it...Strong in the Day of Battle! While reading I saw the areas that I had let slip. I saw why and how I was being defeated. It was just what I needed to read. Hmmmm...could it have been God?
So, all of that to say this. In whatever area or areas you are trying to grow or change, dont settle! Press on until the victory is won! Don't settle for good when you can have the best! Take that extra course in school. Hug your loved one a few extra times. Love unconditionally more often. Don't hear that piece of pie. I think you all get it! Continue to grow! Be the best you can be! Don't settle!
If you feel like it. All books by T. Austin-Sparks are free online at www.Austin-sparks.net. If you want to grow in your faith and understanding I highly recommend these teachings. They are nothing like you have heard in church! It is REAL Christianity!
I love you all!
