Considering My Life Purpose and Corresponding Commitments
As I am connecting with more people and making friends there is some confusion over knowing which things I should or should not do. I am referencing things that are not obviously "sinful".
Since I already have some weaknesses (like PTSD), and I feel more safe being isolated at home, it makes it difficult when considering whether or not I should go do certain things with people, especially things that are in public. I have learned to isolate so intensely that I now have trouble discerning what part of me does not want to do things.
Is it my spirit that doesn't want to do things? Or is it my internal fears? Is it wrong, unsafe, or just "not for me"? Or, is it something that is challenging me to grow?
Maybe, as I try to discern what is or isn’t "for me", I should consider the ideas of commitment. However, before I can consider commitments I must clearly recognize the main purpose and goals for which the commitments are set in place. Establishing commitments without an understanding of the goal or purpose is like having the Old Testament laws without the vision, heart, and purpose of Jesus.
What is my main goal, purpose, and focus? What path and journey am I on? What are my commitments?
Wise and healthy sacrifice is when something might feel challenging, but since it aligns with my goal, purpose, and focus, I do it anyways. Although something might feel uncomfortable, is it supposed to be an experience along my journey?
When I consider my goals, purpose, etc., what commitments have I made (should I make), in order to stay true to these?
If I can become conscious of my commitments, then this might help me decide whether something feels wrong because it's violating the commitments to my purpose, or if it just feels wrong because it's challenging me beyond my comforts.
My Path, goals, purpose, and focus are Love:
To learn more about Love. To encounter Love in His (its) various facets, and display Love in various ways. To grow in my experience and understanding of love; with God, with others, and with myself.
Commitments that align with my goals, purpose, and focus:
Commitment to the Lord (The One Creator of all) - with my thoughts, intentions, and my body. This includes making loving and honorable choices regarding food, substances, music, TV, sex, etc. All things are permissible, but not all are beneficial. I will do my best to grow in making the most loving and honorable choices with my entire being (thoughts, emotions, intentions, words, and actions).
Commitment to Loving others - making the best choice for everyone involved in each moment.
Commitment to loving myself - not condemning, judging, etc. Being kind and patient to myself in thoughts, words, and deeds.
Do no harm. Like the motto of the medical field, I am committed to doing no harm toward anyone or anything. This includes myself; my brain, my emotions, and my body. I will do my best to not harm others with my thoughts, judgements, and attitudes. I recognize that these have power in the mental and emotional realms and I am responsible for my actions within these realms.
I am committed to prayer. Which is simply taking time to be still in contemplation, focusing my energies, thoughts, affections, etc., toward the God who is Love. Even if this is only for a very short amount of time, I commit to do this each day (to the best of my ability, without any guilt or shame for my inabilities). I do this because it aligns with my goals and purpose. This is one of the most loving acts I can do in this life because it changes me into the image of the One I am praying to ("connecting with").
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