The clouds are where we pray, worship, dream, listen to God, study Scripture, and receive vision. The dirt is where we obey…serving people, forgiving others, keeping our promises, loving our families, and doing the difficult work God has placed in front of us.

Some Christians spend so much time thinking, studying, and talking about what God is doing that their feet never touch the ground. Others become so busy working for Jesus that they stop spending meaningful time with Him.

But Jesus lived in both worlds.

He withdrew to lonely places to pray, and then returned to heal, teach, serve, wash feet, and love people. His work flowed from His relationship with the Father.

James writes:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” — James 1:22, NIV

And:

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17, NIV

Agreement is not transformation. Knowing the truth is not the same thing as becoming the kind of person who lives it.

God often gives us direction in the clouds, but He forms our character in the dirt; in difficult conversations, ordinary obedience, forgiveness, faithfulness, sacrifice, and loving people who are not always easy to love.

So where have you been living lately?

Have you spent so much time dreaming that you have forgotten to obey? Or have you spent so much time working that you have forgotten why?

Lift your eyes. Spend time with God. Pray, worship, listen, read, and dream.

Then roll up your sleeves.

Love your family. Serve your neighbor. Forgive quickly. Keep your promises. Do excellent work. And do the next thing God has already shown you to do.

That is where heaven touches earth, not when we choose the clouds or the dirt, but when we learn to live faithfully in both.

I lean towards getting in the dirt over the clouds and over the years have worked on how I best get “into” the clouds.

Which side do you naturally drift toward—the clouds or the dirt?

Tell me in the comments…

Enjoying the journey with you, Les

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