First, a great quote about the meaning of the transformed life:
Intentional spirituality — the living, reigning, and ascended Jesus living through us and transforming us into different people — does not exist to uphold a few rules but rather speaks of a process that creates an entirely new person who sees with new eyes, feels with a new heart, hears with renewed ears, and lives with a new passion. It is, I believe, the only life worth living. (p. 19)
I really like this paragraph on the compelling life:
What defines a compelling life? Someone who is available to God and regularly experiences God’s fellowship, presence, and empowerment. There are no substitutes, no shortcuts. We are not compelling; on the contrary, we are sinful, often poor imitations of our Lord. But when God lives through us, shines through us, and overcomes our worst inclinations with his merciful transformation — that’s compelling. People become interested not so much in us but in what’s so different about us. (p. 27)
Finally, here are some wonderful comments about seeing life through the eyes of God:
As our plane ascended out of San Antonio, it passed an enclave of mansions. These homes had to contain at least seven to ten thousand square feet of space, with immaculate lawns and gardens, large pools, and huge garages. But from two thousand feet in the air, it’s amazing how small these homes looked. Another few thousand feet, and they become mere playhouses.
And then it hit me: not a home on this planet looks big to heaven; no house looks huge to God. The things that swell our chests with pride look mighty puny from another perspective.
We can’t impress God.
And so I prayed, "Lord, help me to see this world with your eyes. Otherwise I might value what you despise and despise what you value." (p. 59)
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If I have …set my mind on
things above, not on earthly things, I consider myself a pilgrim traveling in
a foreign place. It is a compelling…intentional journey, yet the
destination may not be known. A tourist on the other hand returns each
day to their starting point. But a pilgrim is always ‘on the way’, always en
route. I want the intentional life of a pilgrim. I want the ‘only
life worth living’ as Thomas mentions.
"…anyone who belongs to
Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun…
"…May I never boast
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been
crucified to me, and I to the world…
cheryl
Jim, What superb words, I especially enjoyed the final prayer. Liam
Deeply meaningful and thought provoking words. Thanks for sharing.
Jim
I will look forward to reading this, thanks!
Thanks Liam. I enjoyed the prayer as well. Cheryl–Thanks very much for your words. Karin–Good to hear from you. Thanks. Arlene– I think it is a very good book.
Jim,
Like you I read Sacred Marriage and then began reading other works. I haven’t seen this new book. Thanks for the review! The quote about being compelling is quite compelling.