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"Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/20/2008 4:09:08 PM
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pstrdebi
Posts: 739
Joined: 4/28/2008
From: So. Oregon, by way of So. Cal.
Status: offline
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My husband and I are always reading, studying, etc. We want to grow deeper in the things of God, and God always has something new to teach us. I can't imagine not growing.
I have noticed though, that some folks are quite content right where they are. They feel they have learned all they need to learn, or have made up their minds that what they have learned is the right thing and that's all there is to it!
A dear sister on these forums has this verse as her signature:
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
This verse is what has sparked my questions.
Are you the driver?... are you driven?... or are you in the backseat?
If you are the driver... how do you drive others to Christ? Are you letting "the" light shine? I think this is a common mistake made by many... they are just letting "their" light shine and not "THE" light shine.
If you are driven... what drives you? Who drives you... and how?
And if you are in the backseat... why?
_____________________________
"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28a
http://www.therockfellowship.org
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/20/2008 5:13:02 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1935
Joined: 8/30/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
If you are the driver... how do you drive others to Christ? Are you letting "the" light shine?
Wow, no self examining in this question at all 
I truly hope that it's not me driving anyone to Christ. I hope that they are seeing a light and desire to find Him whether I am the instrument or not.
quote:
If you are driven... what drives you? Who drives you... and how?
My relationship with Him is what drives me. The peace of His presence, the opportunity to rest in a crisis because I can hand it over and trust that He will take care of it. My love for Him who saved me from death (literally and eternally).
quote:
And if you are in the backseat... why?
Sometimes I do crawl in the backseat. I can get caught up in this life and forget until the pain reminds me that I was driving. Sometimes it's a struggle to let Him drive. I want things done my way and quick! Even though I know the outcome, when I do that, I still will make that same mistake.
quote:
And if you are in the backseat... why?
Sometimes I do crawl in the backseat. I can get caught up in this life and forget until the pain reminds me that I was driving. Sometimes it's a struggle to let Him drive. I want things done my way and quick! Even though I know the outcome, when I do that, I still will make that same mistake.
quote:
And if you are in the backseat... why?
Sometimes I do crawl in the backseat. I can get caught up in this life and forget until the pain reminds me that I was driving. Sometimes it's a struggle to let Him drive. I want things done my way and quick! Even though I know the outcome, when I do that, I still will make that same mistake.
I hope and pray that others seeing me live my life points only in the direction of Jesus.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
http://www.myspace.com/egaip
Come visit
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/20/2008 5:14:39 PM
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rofaith
Posts: 57
Joined: 1/17/2008
From: rofaith, a believer
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: pstrdebi
quote:
If you are driven... what drives you? Who drives you... and how?
And if you are in the backseat... why?
...great topic...
I have found when I'm the "driver" my place in the Body of Christ quickly becomes chaotic since by implication, and in the realest sense, I'm driving and not God. I often forget that God is God and I am not. For me when I start driving in the ministry that God has placed me in, my fragile, needy ego takes over and things start coming out of my mouth that are unseemly and hurtful. Sometimes, God puts me into a conversation not only as the "driver" but also as an observer simultaneously, so I can see myself in action and quickly be convinced that my broken sinfulness is driving and not God. It's extremely humbling.... but, He never humiliates me... but, OTOH will allow humiliation to occur if I don't repent, and let Him drive. I am grateful for accountability partners whom God uses to bring me around without being judged by them, but rather lovingly corrected. In turn, we laugh together.... <lol>
I am "driven" by the Holy Spirit in the sense that the Holy Spirit has placed an empathy and mercifulness(is that a word ?) in me, for broken men in our culture or in the world culture at large. I cannot explain it completely. Lately it has expanded to the elderly. This is not of me, so please don't get the wrong idea... selfish/selfcentered me would rather go to Starbucks and have a latte' ! Nevertheless, the preciousness of the broken, abandoned and lonely to God's heart is overwhelming.
BTW, I've noticed that some people don't like the "driven" word in Purpose Driven Life, but it's meant in this sense. That one should be "driven" by compassion and the heart of God for the desperate in our world culture @ large. The thing I notice about this is that God is not "driving" me with harshness, but rather with His own love for these types of people. Pull rather than push. It's what gives this "driven" motivation credibility to me.
So, I'm driven..... I strive to be His hands and feet...ears and voice, heart and mind.... despite myself....
_____________________________
There is no other name....
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/20/2008 7:07:35 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1824
Status: offline
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As the verse says, it's not what we DO but who we ARE.
If we are His, His light will be shining.
So I'm not driving, driven, or in the backseat.
Given the analogy or metaphor does that mean I'm the car???
Anyway I think you KWIM. Great question, deb!
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/20/2008 11:32:12 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 6960
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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Lately I am driven by the Holy spirit to want to grow in God more than ever and hunger and thirst for him soo much.I know he will satisfy.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/21/2008 1:28:58 AM
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KnowJesus
Posts: 259
Joined: 7/21/2006
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sunshine4God
Lately I am driven by the Holy spirit to want to grow in God more than ever and hunger and thirst for him soo much.I know he will satisfy.
sunshine4God...Great name...and awesome reply!
I drive myself crazy...LOL
Seriously, how can our lives not shine when we are in love with Jesus. When his words are sweet as honey, and the joy of our salvation is shown even under trials. It's because of Him that we do His will, willingly. Without him we can do nothing.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt. 5:16
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/21/2008 10:07:53 AM
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Little_1
Posts: 1445
Status: offline
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Great question.
Luke 12:48
"......To him whom much is given much will be required......"
I find that appreciation of God's great love and mercy towards me and others (including the particular text above) is what drives me to want to share with both Christian and non Christian from God's Word and not therefore hide my light under a bushel 'spiritually speaking'.
Although I have a desire to see unsaved people come to know our Lord personally for themselves - my heart lies in wanting to encourage my Christian brethren in their walk with God. I grew up in an area where there were not many Christians and much of my encouragement came from God's Word and good Christian literature (and I praise God for the great love for both which He gave me because prior to salvation, I absolutely hated reading).
I know I speak a lot about what the Lord is doing in my life and give my pennies worth towards quite a few posts on-site but would be horrified if I was giving the impression that I was 'self-promoting'. I do examine my heart in light of postings like this one for that very reason because we do have fallen natures and our flesh can deceive us.
This post is a reminder that we need to be 'careful that we don't take the glory for what God is doing in our lives' and so deceive ourselves and so thank you for this very relevant, thought provoking and heart searching post.
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 8/21/2008 10:25:48 AM >
_____________________________
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/21/2008 9:05:35 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 6960
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: KnowJesus
quote:
ORIGINAL: sunshine4God
Lately I am driven by the Holy spirit to want to grow in God more than ever and hunger and thirst for him soo much.I know he will satisfy.
sunshine4God...Great name...and awesome reply!
I drive myself crazy...LOL
Seriously, how can our lives not shine when we are in love with Jesus. When his words are sweet as honey, and the joy of our salvation is shown even under trials. It's because of Him that we do His will, willingly. Without him we can do nothing.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt. 5:16
Thanks and I agree about not letting our lights shine.However I am more driven than ever right now since me and my friend have made a list of ways we want to grow within this year.God has been speaking to me and revealing things to me like crazy,how I need to change and grow in him. It is hard seeing how much I need to grow in,and even a little discouraging but I know with Gods help I will be forever changed by him.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/22/2008 2:18:45 PM
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URForgiven
Posts: 1075
Joined: 3/22/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: pstrdebi
My husband and I are always reading, studying, etc. We want to grow deeper in the things of God, and God always has something new to teach us. I can't imagine not growing.
I have noticed though, that some folks are quite content right where they are. They feel they have learned all they need to learn, or have made up their minds that what they have learned is the right thing and that's all there is to it!
A dear sister on these forums has this verse as her signature:
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
This verse is what has sparked my questions.
Are you the driver?... are you driven?... or are you in the backseat?
If you are the driver... how do you drive others to Christ? Are you letting "the" light shine? I think this is a common mistake made by many... they are just letting "their" light shine and not "THE" light shine.
If you are driven... what drives you? Who drives you... and how?
And if you are in the backseat... why?
If the car is a metaphor for our lives, then I am resting contently in the backseat as Jesus is at the wheel.
It's been a wild ride so far, He says to expect more of the same. Lots of twists and turns on this road we travel, but He says it will take us where we truly want to go. Personally, I would prefer one of the more modern wide freeways. But He has this thing for the old, narrow, country roads. That's cool. He's got me this far, suppose I can trust Him to get me the rest of the way too.
Peace
_____________________________
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit,
are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 8/22/2008 4:22:22 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1247
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
Status: online
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I've been driving, driven and in the backseat singly and all at the same time. Romans 12:5-"Regardless of the branches, we’re one church in Christ but individually members one of another. 6 We have faculties unique to the grace given us; exercise them according to one’s level of simple faith. 7 Seize your opportunities for service and in so doing teach the validity of Christ’s sacrifice. 8 When he exhorts to further obedience, exhort for the spiritual growth of the body since you’ll be included. When he gives, give in cooperation [for] God will accomplish His purposes and missing an opportunity to participate with God’s sacrifice misses our blessing to be involved. When one is a leader, lead with authority and diligence; When you’re called to show mercy, show mercy genuinely 9[and]let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is arrogant but cling to what is obedient to Christ. 10 Give mutual preference in honor 11 with no lag in due diligence and always fervent in your service as your sacrifice to the Lord. 12 Rejoice in your hope, persevering in tribulation and devoted in obedience 13 contributing to the needs of the saints and practicing consideration."
_____________________________
"I pray that You dispose of my health, my sickness,
my life and my death for Your Glory."(Blaise Pascal)
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RE: "Drive... Driven... or Backseat?" - 9/1/2008 4:51:38 PM
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pstrdebi
Posts: 739
Joined: 4/28/2008
From: So. Oregon, by way of So. Cal.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Liveloved
As the verse says, it's not what we DO but who we ARE.
If we are His, His light will be shining.
So I'm not driving, driven, or in the backseat.
Given the analogy or metaphor does that mean I'm the car???
Anyway I think you KWIM. Great question, deb!
I'm not sure I get your answer here... it's kinda been gnawing at me.
In the physical, my husband drives (our suv) most of the time. In the spiritual... he drives me. He is my spiritual leader. He holds me accountable... he encourages me... he uplifts me, etc. Through his actions, he "drives" me to be a better person in Christ... to grow... to learn, etc.
Because of Christ in me... who HE is and what He has done for me... I am driven to spread the Gospel... to see lives changed... to witness to the lost, etc.
I don't want to kick back in the back seat and let everyone else do it all for me. Just as there are days that I take the wheel and drive our suv... I also want to take the spiritual wheel and encourage others and drive them to be all that they can be.
I also don't want to be a backseat driver... telling others how they "should" be driving. We need to encourage others to be who God wants them to be... not who we want them to be.
_____________________________
"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28a
http://www.therockfellowship.org
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