Thursday, January 31, 2008

Obsession. It's not just a fragrance.

I know it's been approximately 8 years since I last wrote on this, but you'll forgive me won't you? Please?! Well, I'm going to write something whether you read it or not and hopefully you'll come to trust me again over time (please?).

I've always struggled with becoming fixated on certain things. I love planning, making lists so I can cross off the items on the list once I finish them, and thinking about whatever is on my little over stimulated brain. The problem here lies in the fact that these little thoughts and possibilities become obsessions. So the question is whether or not it's possible to change my "plan ahead" personality (and whether or not that is necessary), or attempt to control the things I focus on. Even though you didn't ask, and probably don't care, I'm going to tell you what I think about this. This is also a pretty new thought process for me, so it's not exactly perfect. Here goes!

Having a fixed focus is not a bad thing and I don't necessarily need to change my personality, just my focus.

The problem lies in what you are fixed on. The apostle Paul had a fixed focus, Christ! His writings frequently digress from what he was actually talking about to Christ. Granted, he's usually talking about Christ... but when he's not, the name repeatedly shows up in his writings anyway (Paul's writings comprise 73% of the times that Christ is mentioned in the NT). Paul was obsessed. His obsession drove his passion and his entire life.

Obsession and fixation is not in itself a bad thing. The danger lies in what becomes the object of our obsessions. Paul had it right. Fixate on Christ and all other passions, loves, and trials will be seen in the light of His will. I've always been amazed at Paul's attitude towards trials and pain, but now it's even more clear to me why he was the way he was. Christ and Christ alone.

Now, i'm not saying that we should sit in our rooms and read nothing but our bibles and never speak to anyone but God. That wouldn't be following the example of Christ. I'm just saying that maybe if we fixate on the right thing, the rest of what we normally obsess over will fade to a normal level of priority in our lives.

I'm going to be trying this over the next semester (and hopefully the rest of my life). I want my thoughts and desires to be of Christ and for Christ. His will for my life will flow out of that. My future and God's will for it no longer needs to be my obsession. My obsession can be Christ and the rest is just part of the perks of this life he has given me.

What do you think? Will fixating on Christ help us to stop fixating on other things (although they might be honorable desires)? Tell me!!

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things... I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurretion from the dead".
~Phil. 3:7-8a, 10-11

1 comment:

Laurie said...

Ellie,

Hi! I'm a Sunridge blogger and I just sent Rich my links and told him I'd be happy to read other blogs by woman at Sunridge. He sent me your link! :)
You may not remember me by name but I taught, or tried to teach :) the class on "How to study your bible" at the womans retreat last Spring, and I see you at church often.:)
Anyway, beautiful post!
I meditated and wrote a post on our thought life in a series I have been writing called , "Preparation Of The Bride".
http://1diamondintherough.blogspot.com/2007/03/whats-girl-to-think.html
I applaud your passion to make Christ your obsession of thought. A very admirable trait in a young woman of God. Especially in the years before marriage when we are still seeking what His desire for us is in the single state. Our thoughts if not directed by God's word will rule us..and in the wrong direction.
You are a wonderful writer! May Jesus use you mightily as you serve Him in your writing and your music! You are a blessing on stage as well.. :)


The LORD bless you,
Laurie Vengoechea

http://www.1diamondintherough.blogspot.com

and

http://www.foodnewsandreviews.blogspot.com/