From
Romans 12:1-3
H,
It is
all this darn worrying that creates panic. Half of the things we worry about
make no sense to anyone else. They are a matter of personal pride. The need to
appear a certain way to a certain set of people and to seem to be rather than
truly be. It is a common trap even when we do not recognize it. The specifics
are different but the pull of it is the same. There are parts of us that think
money is conquered and so our faults move on to something else. It is not that
other things are ‘conquered’ but we are taught early to always put forward our
best foot. This will not work in God.
Of course
we should all chill more. A life lived in God is a study in growing more peaceful.
The delightful context of eternity gives a real silver lining to every sullen
cloud. It does not make us less interested in the ‘right’ things but much more
aware of perfect things. Our mistakes may sting but within that passing pain is
the awareness that we are no longer asleep. We are in it. These things inside
us will change. These challenges outside us will follow suit. There is no need
for panic or worry or fear. We are better today than yesterday even if we do
not feel it. We are, not necessarily
the problem or the pain or the issue or anything physical, getting closer to
the sun of all existence.
It is
healthy on this walk to never begin to think we are enough. It is healthy that
we all have this self as a thorn in our side to tell us the journey is still on
and there is much more to see and to become. We are talking about an eternity
in God. The things we are absolutely bad at are the things that should come out
as our ‘best’ foot. Here, we start with our low so He can give us His high. It is
not that acting humble will get us in with God. It is that being humble will
leave us open and ready for the constant trajectory of grace meeting need and
sin. When we own up to God He takes ownership of our weaknesses and faults. He takes
up our cause when we decide we have bungled it enough. This is not just the
entry point of a life of grace but the daily habit of a soul living in grace,
hope, love, faith and the light of companionship with God.