Living on the Spiritual Western Frontier
A lot of people in our country think the Western frontier fully settled in the nineteenth century. But that’s not true in places like the old logging town of Winchester, Idaho. Regions like that still remain vast, unpopulated, very pragmatic and independent, sometimes dangerous, and always a bit wild. You’ll find deer in your yard, raccoons under the porch, and hear wolves howl on your early morning runs.
Western Frontier versus Spiritual Frontier
I think a definite similarity exists between the physical Western frontier and the spiritual. So, let’s compare. I’ve written a lot of western novels and read countless historical nonfiction. As I study and research, I’m more aware of how we’re all strangers and pilgrims. We’re just passing through this planet. Each of us started from a destination and we’re headed somewhere. This world isn’t our home.
When the first pioneers pushed away from the east and headed west, they knew where they wanted to land. They aimed for Oregon or California or wherever. They had focus and that kept them going.
How About Your Spiritual Life?
Where are you going? You’d probably reply, “I’m going to heaven.” However, the Christian life is not cruise in a limo. It’s not a ride. We’re on a journey. There’s a big difference. When you accept the Lord as your Savior, you cross a river toward a prairie. You can’t just stand there or you’ll get nowhere.
Frontier Focus
First, know where you’re headed.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33)
Most of us spend our energies on ‘added things.’ But the Bible says to seek first the Kingdom. Then God adds wonderful gifts like material possessions, fulfilling careers, great friendships and family and loved ones. Then, there might be ministry opportunities or a little fame. But they shouldn’t be your main focus. Seek first the Kingdom, which is the rule and reign of Jesus in the hearts of believers.
Second, cast aside burdens in the way to reach your goal.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Toss off anything that hinders. Lighten your wagon. Pioneers dumped lots of stuff and treasures along the road the further they traveled.
Their focus tightened to reach their goal. For instance, sinful thoughts and actions keep us from reaching our spiritual goal of the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Run the race with the right gear, so you can sprint longer.
Other obstacles may not be sinful, but still block you. Such distractions as inordinate amounts of news shows, email, and internet sites can steal hours out of every day. Name some time-wasters of your own.
Third, don’t lose sight of your goal.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:14).
Take on each daily challenge of the trail. Cross each mountain and dry, dusty plain one piece of ground at a time. The signs all read: tough times ahead.
What’s Your Goal?
My heart especially jumps when I read this verse: “Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God.” That’s our goal. We don’t want to coast our way into heaven. No, we really don’t. We aim to please God and not make Him ashamed to own us.
How do we get there? We’ve got to know where we’re going. We cast aside what hinders us. And we never lose sight of the spiritual frontier where we’re headed.
Stephen Bly
Copyright©2003
** Images by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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“Frontier Focus” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series. Recorded 2003, at Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference Center, Norton Shores, Michigan. Sign Up on BlyBooks.com on blog page to receive RSS feed by email for podcast blog notices. Related blog article with podcast embed will arrive every Tuesday and Thursday. Look to the right of the LINK PAGE for “Subscribe to the Blog via Email” and “Enter your email address”.
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