How Long??

Once we are born we begin the process of dying, how paradoxical is that??? Growth begins to happen as well, it varies from person to person, some have spurts while others make huge leaps and then have long lapses between changes. Physical growth is mostly inevitable, unless you have a defect or abnormality that stunts or prevents it from occurring. It is visible to all as well, not something that is hidden. Spiritual growth on the other hand, well that is an entirely different ballgame. We can be our own worst enemies as well as our greatest allies when it comes to our spiritual growth, quite a daunting challenge when you ponder it. The presence of or seeming lack within us can be something that is also observable outwardly, though the scales that weigh our position in regards to spiritual growth is a sliding scale due to the variables by virtue of our being human.

My inqusitive minded friend barbara over at writing from the inside out has an insightful and challenging post today. Is happiness a choice??? Is happiness an emotion??? Are emotions chosen??? I don't want to override her post, but she gave me great food for thought. How long does God allow for us to grow and mature spiritually??? Does He have a spiritual hourglass somewhere which is different for each person and if the sand empties into the bottom then BOOM times up and you are outta there!!!! ???? I say this in a questioning manner, thinking about certain trains of thought and action. When i was a new christian i was involved in a church environment that was immersed in a *Jesus is coming soon!!!!* theology/mentality and if you didn't want any of your family or friends to be *left behind*, then you better get to evangelizing them and making sure they are saved!!!! What if they honestly don't want to recieve Christ right there and then as you share with them and ask if they will recite the Sinners Prayer???? Are you letting them possibly slip away and end up in hell??? How long does God wait for anyone to trust Him and recieve the Good News of Jesus salvation and Lordship????

How real does God want us to be??? If we struggle with real doubts and fears or resistance due to conflicts we have mentally/emotionally over ways we think/feel life has hurt us or made us question what we believe will God pull the plug after a certain time which is preordained if we are to have *made it*????

Predestination/Freewill these 2 categories intimately affect our existence, now and in eternity. I just want to lay these thoughts out here in the open and hope to bat them around a bit with all who care to engage. I really do not think God wants us to be nervous wrecks caught in a maelstrom of anxiety over making sure we are ready for Jesus return and do something out of sheer fear even if we do not believe we are ready to respond as yet. I do believe He does seek to work in all our hearts to guide us and lead us to let our hearts be affected by Him and His love and grace so we can grow and mature as we are led to. It is different for everyone. Of course i believe anyone waiting for Jesus to return is wasting their time and missing what the Bible says concerning His Second Coming because He came back in AD 70 when the temple was destroyed and the entire sacrificial system/Mosaic law was eliminated forever so a New Covenant of love and grace could begin but hey that's an entire different post altogether!!!!!

What say ye???