Lifestyle - A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group.
Our past, the way we were raised, the habits we form from selfish desires, our personal life struggles, our physical challenges can all mold our Lifestyle. It’s easy to reflect on these things and let them hold us back. But, we all have a choice. We can live a life of reflecting on our past or let our life reflect Christ so that we can truly live.
As my husband and I venture off on this healthy eating and exercise kick we’ve used the phrase “It’s a lifestyle change” many times. As parents of three kids under the age of 6 and both being in full time ministry, eating and exercise has always just taken a back seat to life. We have always been the worst at planning meals, cooking, and making time to exercise. We always would take the easy way out and eat out for lunch and dinner and just not exercise. We never thought about how our choices were a reflection of our attitude and values to our kids. We never came together on the decision to pursue a healthier lifestyle until about 5 weeks ago.
When I think about the phrase “A Lifestyle change”, I think about how becoming involved in your church can also be a Lifestyle change. I know it was for me and my husband eight years ago. The thought of serving at church was almost comical to us. We felt under-qualified, not worthy, and not holy enough. But, through actually attending NewSpring the first time a Lifestyle change began. We learned to put God first in every area of our lives. We had to come together and choose that we would jump in even though we had no clue what we were doing (and still don’t). We gave up more sleep, a self-centered schedule, unhealthy friendships, working late hours, arguing over little things, and crying ourselves to sleep. We found that a lifestyle centered around self is not a life at all. We chose to let God direct the life He wanted for us.
I want a Lifestyle change for every person in this community. Serving is an introduction to selflessness that I hope to see grow in every volunteer and your ministry become a reflection of Jesus in every area of your lives. As a volunteer you are the sermon illustration every week. As people get to hear about Jesus from the stage, they get to see a reflection of Jesus in every other area of the church. Does your Lifestyle reflect a fruitful service for Christ?
Do you need to make a Lifestyle change? How have you experienced a Lifestyle change?
Great Thought! I have been spending a lot of time thinking about how serving and discipleship go together. Your blog was yet another affirmation to what I’ve been thinking.
Thanks!
http://www.billsimmonslive.com
Funny you should write about this! Tonya and I were talking about our lifestyle just a few days ago. We were discussing that we don’t plan on going to church like we use to.We don’t plan to volunteer, it’s part of our lifestyle. Church and volunteering is something we never think about, it’s a part of us and we are a part of it!
I believe Ross gets some extra doughnuts from you every week. Or does he get the first glass of Kool-Aid?
Dan,
Ross was baptized in the Kool-Aide. LOL
Seriously, that is what makes Ross and Tonya such great volunteer examples. You know that they are at Newspring every Sunday not out of obligation, but because it is a natural part of their life. You guys are awesome.
PS Dan you were baptized in the Kool-Aide also.
Kim
Real funny coming from someone that spells their name with a K…like Kool-Aide. Let the mystery begin!
Good post. I can’t imagine that part about ya’ll crying yourselves to sleep (not Jason). I know what you meant but that was a funny thought.