Striving is opposite to resting in faith of Christ which is commanded to us. Striving is my own work not God's works.
This teaching of striving is so unspeakably damaging, especially to young Christians... and there are many who just browse forums. And no resting in faith of Christ does NOT mean do whatever you want. Because it's impossible to do whatever you want when you're Resting In God and communing with God without ceasing. We cannot focus on ourselves, God is the focus. No "striving out of love" either as many say. Another trap taught in attempt to drag Christians into self-induced, worthless works. Nothing could be farther from God and less successful in defeating demons. What works is GOD and relationship with Him, setting our mind on Him always, renewing our minds with His Word. Striving, out of love, or fear, does not ever produce fruit. Resting in God and running to Him in faith is the only way that produces fruit and sets us free, when we trust like a little child. If we are striving we cant be resting at the same time. So where is that long promised rest of God?
I truly appreciate most of your posts on here Sis... but on this one I'll have to say it is damaging... We all start in the same spot, "having begun in the Spirit", and all goes fine, we get free from addictions and bondages, walk more and more with God, until the day when some people come and tell us that we need to "strive" as if God will not continue His work if we only keep trusting and abiding... that moment the Christian falls down into the flesh trying to induce "good works" himself... this has destroyed so many, myself in the past included... writing this because of young Christians who browse the forums so it does not happen to them as it did to me... set your eyes and mind on God always not on yourself... wish people just knew how actually damaging and unfruitful this "striving" teaching is. And no grace is not cheap...
I understand fully, as I have seen and felt that same damaging mentality,
But going to the opposite extreme is a serious issue too.
Paul tells us to run the race. He tells us to pursue holiness and good work.
Being active for the Kingdom is something we are called to, and putting off the distractions and affairs of this world is a major part of that.
I see so many, in my own congregation, who are stuck in a spiritual rut.
They are either overcome by sin: fighting against it by their own strength, and failing, and getting depressed over it.
Or they are consumed with "Christian culture", distracted by worldly affairs of politics, conspiracy theories, wars and rumors of wars, or just trying to look the part of a "good Christian".
Or they are in a rut of self-focused spirituality, where the personal experience is all that matters, and things like doctrine are not important, and ministering/sharing with others is not a focus.
Some people push doctrine away, as if Truth is relative to their experiences,
Others push spiritual things and experiencing God's love away, as if God's love and grace is supposed to be scholastic only.
And still others push cultural things as the focus, as if looking the part and voting the part somehow make us real Christians.
There is a balance, and it is found in the Word. We are to be confident in Christ, humble of self, and active for the Kingdom. The rest we have is spiritual, eternal, and an amazing blessing. This rest in Christ is not in opposition to us being active hard working laborers for the Kingdom.
But you are right in your assessment that meat can choke those young in Christ, and that they need milk first.
However, many of the groups I mentioned aren't just giving milk. They are giving milk mixed with poison.
