I’ve been a follower of Christ since a special day in 1979 or ’80 in Tacoma, Washington. I can hear myself and others asking how could I have understood a commitment like that. I’m not completely sure, but I’m still a part of that kingdom. Somehow.
In recent years I feel that I’ve gone from Pharisee-in-training to something different. And while I don’t really understand Father’s generosity, kindness, or love I’m content to receive those undeserved gifts.
Precise theology or a “thoroughly biblical worldview” are no longer the point for me. Christ is the point. Living in Father’s love through the finished work of Christ is all I wanted to begin with. Even when I didn’t know it.
And now I seek to rest in that reality. When I find myself stressing and striving the invitation is always to rest and peace. Now that I have some understanding that I can’t do anything apart from him the call is to his heart and to those things he wants to do.
And no, this doesn’t mean I just sit on my butt waiting for something to happen. Strangely enough, that was my posture prior to the Pharisectomy. This means that I continue to move forward and to look for him in the life he’s given me. And I think it’s more of a mystery than that. Father works in unique and individual ways. How did Jesus heal sight? A different way each time. And that’s often how he’s working and leading in our lives. There’s no formula because the whole thing is worked out in a relationship with our Father through Christ, by the power of his Spirit.
We may finally be able to enjoy faith. We love God, not because we’ll fry in Hell if we don’t, but because he is a gift to our soul. He’s our anchor and our love. He’s amazing. His generosity and kindness has finally won us. And there’s no sweating the small stuff when you’re okay in him.
