Have you ever read or listened to a chapter in the Bible and then realized that you weren't fully engaged? When that happens, I feel like I’ve been listening to the Bible through a filter. I’ve simply been sitting there and straining all of God's glorious holiness, wisdom, and righteousness through a filter. I only took the tiniest amount I could from it. We usually don't do it intentionally, but this way of listening can significantly hinder us. It's time that we take the filters off and start positioning ourselves to hear God.

You can't expect that every unflattering characteristic and flaw will suddenly disappear just because you confront someone in your life. Sometimes, the outside can change quickly, but we must make fundamental changes before we act more like Jesus.  

You were designed much like a kettle: To be filled up and poured out. Sacrifice and generosity are the hallmarks of a vibrant follower of Jesus. However, I can say from experience that this does not come easy.