Mind Worship In many quarters of life’s social arrangements where there is often real or perceived deprivation, we often hear echoed the sentiment, “I just want what I deserve.” Whether it is in our employment, relationships, or otherwise we strive in one way or another to obtain our just desserts. Wall Street and Madison Avenue do much to promote and encourage this pursuit. Yet, as a Christian, it occurs to me that I really don’t want what I deserve. According to the Book of Romans, what I deserve apart from the grace of God in Christ is condemnation and judgment. Consequently, we are informed in the Book of Philippians that Jesus did not consider it deprivation to loosen His grip on the propriety of His station, but took the form of humanity so that He could deliver the goods that introduced mankind in a personal way to the Creator of the Universe. In real time, God in Christ took upon Himself the bondage of what we deserve and set us free by giving us what we do not deserve. “He delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son.” So, it occurs to me that I don’t want what I deserve but what I really need is mercy – not the mercy or pity of man but the redemptive and transformational mercy and grace of God. The frenetic pace of getting to give is particularly peculiar to this season and the scintillating anticipation of receiving for some is almost more than can be contained. Who of us does not derive a modicum of joy when we are able to witness the gleam of happiness in the eyes of another as they examine our thoughtful offering? I get that. Yet, if we would be but honest with ourselves for a moment, we would have to admit that this happiness is woefully fleeting. Quickly on the heels of that momentary exhilaration that nagging, anti-climactic consideration quickly rushes into our consciousness – “What’s next?” “Is that all?” We unwrap and we very quickly move on to the next thing. And when the gift giving is exhausted, so is the accompanying euphoria. The bible says in the book of Proverbs that “the eye is never satisfied.” We see this most pronounced in this season of goodwill. What I am suggesting is something that is more enduring; a greater investment in what really matters in this life. The bible suggests to us over and over again that it is not what we provide materially that counts in the economy of God, but it is the impact that we have on the life of another relationally directly or indirectly that matters in the heart and mind of God. It is only what we have done for another in the name of Christ that will stand the test of time. Permit me to say to you that it is not what my parents gave me materially that is still carrying the day, but it is their relational impact on my life directly that yet yields a timeless wisdom that edifies and is passed on voluminously to my children. Moreover, it is the enduring counsel of God that provides the time and space to move, and live, and have our being. A casual perusal of the Scripture will quickly reveal that the Ancient of Days is a high touch and very personal Creator. Maybe we should follow His lead. Be supremely blessed, beloved.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 10:26:58 +0000
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