Playing is Just as Spiritual as Praying

What’s more important to God, your service or your rest?  Our Voice Ed shares his story of how God changed his paradigm.

A while back somebody told me this and I was really offended, but thankfully God was changing my perspective in the way I served and viewed Him. 

Being in ministry I loved to serve, and I did it joyfully. It gave me a sense of achievement and purpose when I was able to make a difference in someone’s life. A couple years back we started a GBS in Taiwan, and saw many people inside the entertainment industry transformed. Lives were changed souls were saved. We saw a powerful move of the Holy Spirit. However, when I wasn’t serving or being productive I’d feel a sense of unease or even a bit anxious. I really didn’t know how to relax or even when I’d go out and have downtime I’d feel guilty. 

Worse, people that were close to me that weren’t serving or “making a difference” I secretly judged them. As I watched them enjoy life I’d despise their activities and think it was a waste of time. Thankfully God is gracious and disciplines the ones He loves. One morning God gave me a revelation that changed my whole paradigm. As simple as the conversation was, it set me free from being a slave and I started to live as a son…[click “Read More” below to continue]

It went something like this: 

Ed: Father, are there any lies that I believe about you?

God: yes

Ed: what is the lie?

God: Ed, you think that I think you’re lazy.

Ed: … (Boggle) … What’s that mean??

God: (silence)

Ed: What is the truth Lord?

God: I want you to rest.

Ed: what?? That doesn’t make any sense.

 I went about my day as normal when I finally understood what God meant. When you are under the impression that God views you as being lazy, you will do everything you can to make amends. This created a “works” mentality and I was constantly striving for God’s love and affirmation. God loves us for who we are, and not for what we can do. The bible says that our righteous works are like dirty rags. God calls us to come to Him as we are.

I love what Jaeson Ma told me once. He said something along the lines of we live from a place of love and not for love. We live from affirmation and not for it.

Questions? Want to know more about God?  Connect with us here!

INTERACT with this story: Have you ever had a “works” mentality?  And how do you find rest?  Leave your comments below!