Bible Journey: Dimmer Switches
by Reed on Jan.04, 2008, under Thoughts
This hit me this morning (and by the way, I won’t always post such thoughts daily)…
Proverbs 4:18-19 – In these verses I am reminded of the Dimmer Switch principle (Larry Osborne in “Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God“). His point is this: the path (as guided by the heart) of those who ignore God’s promptings in their life gets darker and darker over time…so much so that over time it becomes hard to move forward because the path seems so dim and unclear. On the other hand, the path of the righteous becomes brighter and brighter because they become more attuned to God’s light in their life and heart. And so…each time a right choice is made, making right choices in the future becomes easier! After quoting these verses, he writes:
…the longer we walk in obedience, the clearer the spiritual picture becomes. Subtle distinctions that were once indiscernible become obvious; things we would ahve never noticed at first suddenly can’t be missed. I find this to be incredibly encouraging. It means I don’t have to worry about all the things I don’t know. I just ahve to respond to the light I have, and the rest will come in God’s time. It means that God-pleasing spirituality can happen instantly – the moment I start the journey! Maturity and spiritual depth take time. But I can please god right away because it’s not a matter of how much I know or how long I’ve been at it. It’s a matter of what I do with what I already have that matters most.
For me, here’s how I will personalize it: My path gets a little darker (that is, less clear) every time I turn from God’s lead but my path gets a little brighter (that is, more clear) every time I follow God’s lead.
Lord, I invite you to guide me through this day. As you do, please help me to follow in the direction you lead me. I trust that day by day you’ll bring me closer to you and make my path brighter and brighter so that I can walk for you! Amen
3 Comments for this entry
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I'm Reed Mueller, pastor of Columbia Ridge Community Church. Feel free to read what pops out of my head and onto the web, then join in the discussion if you want.
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January 7th, 2008 on 8:54 pm
I really like this “dimmer switch” principle. It totally hits the nail on the head in regards to my walk w/ Jesus sometimes. Sometimes my path is so lowly lit & I stumble a whole bunch and sometimes its bright and clear.
As of right now, my switch is stuck on dim. sigh.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Reed. I really enjoy reading them. =)
January 8th, 2008 on 6:04 am
Hey Kristy -
Good to see you on here! I was reflecting on the “dimmer switch” principle and thinking about how it has worked its way into my life. Being a pastor I’m at an advantage in a way because each and every week there is an expectation to present something at our weekend services. This extrinsic contingency puts me into contact on a very regular basis with God’s word, which is a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). It is this situation which has helped me more than any other to follow the leadings I’ve received.
As for your switch, the principle holds true! Just start listening to what God places in your heart and the path will get a little clearer each day.
Thanks for sharing!
February 21st, 2008 on 8:11 pm
Reed,
As I tried to gather up some momentum for the outreach at Dotties,I checked your Blog. Good timing my friend. I was worried about the turnout. I am such a fool. The turnout will happen. It always does. God makes that all come together and He never fails to amaze and suprise. It is the fact that I will be there and allow God to brighten my path that really matters right now. If, in that action, others paths are also brightened, great. Then we will all be one step closer to Christ and get there together. I pray that many more paths will be illuminated. Thanks friend.