"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke..." (Hebrews 1:1)
I just love that. As I look through the Bible, I marvel at the different ways that God spoke to or ministered to people throughout history. I am in awe that He cares about us and even chooses to be in touch with us. He is so personal; He approached individuals where they were, and touched their lives. What really "gets me" is that He still does that today. He is, after all, "the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
I have had something niggling my mind over these last months. Honestly, I ignored it until today when I stumbled into THIS ARTICLE. I am glad I did.
If you have ever browsed Pinterest, I am sure you have come across some amazing images, quotes, or information, as I have. I see a lot of stuff on there pertaining to a "love" for books. I have also been impacted by books, and I understand being passionate about reading. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to read, and to have so many options at my fingertips. But, is there ever a time when my privilege becomes my downfall?
"I encourage people not to use books as an escape because anything used for escape from life/reality can then become an addiction and idol in our lives" E. Stephen Burnett
How legitimate do you think the above statement is?
I can only go by my own experience. I have seen how I can have a tendency to go overboard on things I enjoy, things that please me, things that make me content; but what happens when those things develop a life of their own? What if every emotion leads me to that activitiy or thing? When I am sad, I read. When I am happy, I read. When I am scared, I read. When I am frustrated, I read. When I am overwhelmed, I read.
Escapism doesn't leave a lot of room for dealing with and confronting the issues. Escapism doesn't leave a lot of room for growing, changing, experiencing good things, being better. Escapism doesn't leave room for leaving a legacy of example to my kids. I mean, my kids watch me and learn from me, so what will my example of "escapism" teach them? To avoid? To hide? To retreat?
Only, there are moments in life when escapism is NOT the answer. When battling for what is good, right, true is what needs to be done. So... how can I balance escapism with real life?? Well, first off, I have to pray, making sure that God is FIRST and FOREMOST in my life, heart, and thoughts. Then, I have to evaluate how things lay. Where are my priorities? Are my priorities affecting positive or negative change? If I am unsure, there is another cause for prayer. And, even if it looks positive, it is still best to pray for discernment and confirmation that it actually IS positive. Keep Jesus in the thick of life. He is the best Compass. He is the best Captain.
(Image is called Stay the Course by Keith Goodson.)
"Let that fantasy book inspire you to pursue a braver faith and epic life." -Nadine Brandes (Find this quote HERE.)
Essentially, it comes down to this. Jesus said, "Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you." Am I allowing myself to draw near, or putting stumbling blocks in my own way?
We are what we eat. We are where we spend our time. David said, "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14) Is my reaction to stress, discouragement, disappointment, frustration, anger, etc... directing my attention TO Him? Or is it being directed to something in place of Him?
Maybe I need to make sure that what I am putting into my heart, mind, life should reflect something a bit more than just escape. Even something fun, fluffy, or nonsensical can have purpose. Even to remind me to BREATHE. To smile. To be. There is "a time for everything" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)... But I need to make sure I am not making it a HABIT to escape, to be distracted. It may not be time for that. If it becomes a habit, it can make me spiritually sleepy, or complacent. And, there is NO time for that. God calls us to be WAKEFUL, to be AWARE.
Jesus, I know that I get easily distracted. Please help me to know which things are healthy for me, and which things are not. Teach me to balance my priorities, my preferences, and my life for Your glory. Show me what may not be beneficial, or BEST, for me, and give me courage to face issues with wisdom and discernment. Help me to see and hear You, so I know where to go, and how to go. Thank You for never "leaving or forsaking" me. Amen.
If you are looking for a book that will both entertain, grab you in, lead you on a journey that is both different and exciting and personal... read A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes. It is my favorite book for 2014. To know more about the book or the author, click HERE.
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