Day 10
Romans 8:1-8
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Rest Through Recreation
Recreation is defined as “an activity done for enjoyment when not working”. But for me it is also about allowing myself to be “re-created”. The word comes from an old middle English one that means “mental or spiritual consolation”. I love that definition. Many of us need to re-create ourselves. We need to re- create a sense of fun, enjoyment and play in our lives. We have become too boring, predictable and grown up. The cares of this life have absorbed us and robbed us of our childlikeness.
Winston Churchill thoroughly believed in the strength of hobbies and the power of play. But it was only at the age of 41 that he discovered one of his real passions. His sister-in-law, Lady Gwendoline Bertie, first encouraged him to try painting.
“Happy are the painters,” Churchill later wrote, “for they shall never be lonely…”
It soon became an engrossing hobby that remained a large part of his life for the next 40 years.
It is my theory that many of us carry at least one talent for something creative. It might be cooking, cross-stitch or calligraphy … or ballet, book-binding or birdwatching. There will be something we are capable of that absorbs us and allows us deep, satisfying rest. If you don’t know what your hobby is, perhaps it’s time to do a bit of experimentation?
What have you always longed to have a go at, but never allowed yourself time for? Perhaps this is the season for photography, whittling or floristry?
Romans 12:6 says:
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”
What is your “certain thing”? Leo Buscaglia said, “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” I hope this makes you think and gives you a nudge to just go for it!
When we are creating something we are copying God, from whom all our creativity ultimately comes. When God made us in His image, He gave us the gene and the desire in order to make things beautiful. For some, this might be designing a relaxing home environment, or a useful spreadsheet, or an item of clothing. We are all so different, but each of us reflects the creative character of God.
In what areas could you explore your own creativity as you rest this week?
__
Taken from Reading Plans from YouVersion (https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/11321-the-rest-of-your-life/day/10 ) and River Publishing for this plan.