Made for Something More AND Less

A pendulum swings back and forth in two directions from one side to the other.  Much like this arching motion, in life we can find ourselves in two unhealthy extremes.  In one instance I may struggle with pride and hold myself in much higher esteem than is healthy or right.  "Make much of me," my heart cries out.  Yet in another moment, I may find myself feeling downtrodden and defeated thinking that I didn't make the cut.  Does this sound familiar?  I can imagine that you've been there too.  I believe that there are two extremes that we must embrace, yet we must swipe the current pendulum off the table.  Neither defeat nor pride are healthy as we have been called for something more AND something less.

(The cross shows us we're made for something more, while the manger reminds us we're made for something less.)

Something More
Consider the cross and the beautiful message which it exemplifies.  With even my best attempts, I am a sinner who falls short.  This is true of each and every one of us.  Paul writes, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)  Yet even in my brokenness, God extended His hand and picked up my pieces.  It was not deserved, and it was not earned.  Oh amazing love.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)  As Christ lived a perfect life, only He was able to pay the price that my sin deserved.  While He hung upon the cross, He took the punishment that my sin justly deserved and stood in my stead.  He paid the heavy price willingly that I might be made right with God.  We are made for something much more because we now can surrender our lives to Christ and, through faith, receive the gift of His righteousness.  As a daughter of God, I am vastly mistaken in my identity when I see myself as less than His beautiful child.  Granted, I do not lose sight of my brokenness without Him, but I rejoice and embrace that I am made new and clean.  I really soak this in and relish it fully!  When God looks at me, He sees me made perfect in Christ.  Yes, this is what I was made for, this something more! 

Something Less
On the wings of this great identity and boldness we are given in Jesus, we are also to stifle our sinful pride and to make something less of ourselves.  In fact, I am reminded this Christmas season that He Himself first exemplified it through His humble birth.  One might imagine that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would be given a grand reception into our world, yet instead He was welcomed and first worshiped in a lowly manger.  While I selfishly may get irritated by small inconveniences in daily life, Christ modeled for His followers what it is to have a true servant's heart.  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness... (Philippians 2:6-7)  Time and again in His ministry, He taught His followers what He meant in His command to love one another.  I love the Scripture which tells of Jesus' great humility in washing his disciples' feet.  In a time when dusty roads resulted in very filthy feet, this act demonstrated true service and humbleness toward another.  Jesus explained, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." (John: 13:15-16)  As Christians, we do not glorify God when we allow our pride and selfishness to get in the way; instead we bring great joy through our obedience in making less of ourselves to serve one another.          


As I reflect upon the manger and the cross, I recognize that we have truly been created in His image to be something more and something less than the status quo.  Through His power, may we seek to live up to these expectations each day. 

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."  (1 Corinthians 1:27-31)

When the Rubber Meets the Road

 

(Photo from techpinions.com)

     I've always placed great stock in the old adage "actions speak louder than words."  How many times have we heard people spout wise words of advice only to turn around and contradict what they had spoken?  It's not terribly convincing.  The speaking is easy; the doing is difficult.  This is the ever-present opportunity and challenge in the life of a Christian.  Great conviction or words of praise lifted up to honor God are beautiful, but we must always be working in partnership with Christ in allowing Him to match the way we conduct ourselves with our identity as His son or daughter.  This is the path of sanctification that believers travel.  If I try to do it alone, I find myself completely inept and helpless, for that is what I am, a sinful human being from the time I was born.  In my twenty-five years of life, I've done quite a job of showing my own human depravity, but praise God that He has given me a great gift.  Jesus came to live the perfect life and to pay the penalty for my every sin that I may be made right in His Father's eyes.  It simply blows my mind and makes my heart overflow with thankfulness that my Savior has given me the gift of being made right with my Creator and Lord.  I recognize that I don't deserve it even for a second, but I embrace it wholeheartedly because it's clear that we cannot ever earn it.  It is a truly incredible gift.  Day by day, I let my heart be forever grateful to my Jesus and focus on the work that He is actively doing in me.  I love how in Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis describes this lifelong process of becoming more and more reflective of Christ.  He writes, "It is not a question of a good man who died two thousand years ago.  It is a living Man, still as much a man as you, and still as much God as He was when He created the world, really coming and interfering with your very self; killing the old natural self in you and replacing it with the kind of self He has." 

     If then I am partnering with Christ in this process, I must put my money where my mouth is.  It's easy to do so when things are going as one has planned, but how do we react when the rubber meets the road?  Take for example the lyrics of a beautiful, old hymn.  I surrender all.  I surrender all.  All to thee my precious Savior, I surrender all.  Surrender seems a flawless process when my path and God's path for my life are synonymous.  When a trial or difficulty is placed before a believer, though, the hardship offers such a richness of opportunity to be real and raw in one's reliance on Him.  If I believe that God is good as I know Him to be and I submit to His will for my life, then I must let Him keep shaping my heart and my focus on Him.  I rejoice in the work He is doing in my life daily whether it may seem easy or difficult.  I desire for my attitude and actions in all circumstances both joyous or painful to proclaim what the the apostle Paul so aptly wrote.  But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10)  This may seem counter-intuitive to some, but it makes perfect sense!  Whatever the day, whatever the challenges we may face, may He forever shape my perception to recognize that every step in my relationship with Him gives an opportunity to bring glory to His name.  When I am weak, Christ is strong and can shine all the more brightly in my life.  It's not about me.  It's not about you.  It's about Him!  That's the truth when the rubber meets the road, and side by side with Him, that's the road I'll confidently drive on.              

Z is for...

    is for zeal.



I'm fairly convinced that most everyone is passionate about something.  The musically inclined close their eyes and devour the notes that emanate from instruments.  Art lovers browse galleries looking at each work and finding the beauty and multiple meanings within a painting.  Athletes spend hours perfecting the shot, practicing the play, preparing their bodies for quick reactions.  When an individual finds something worthy of this passion, they don't approach it lackadaisically but instead with great fervor and zeal.

Indeed, just as many hobbies and interests require great attention and effort from their aficionados, so it should be with followers of Christ.  In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis writes:

"Christ is the Son of God.  If we share in this kind of life we also shall be sons of God.  We shall love the Father as He does and the Holy Ghost will arise in us.  He came to this world and became a man in order to spread to other men the kind of life He has -- by what I call 'good infection.'  Every Christian is to become a little Christ.  The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else" (p. 176-177).

If the purpose of the Christian life is to become more like Christ, why can we as Christians find areas in our own lives that fail to approach this calling with great zeal?  Just as an infection spreads from one to another like wildfire, giving one's heart to God must ignite within us an insatiable desire to walk more and more like Him every day of our lives.  I love the great emotion with which Paul speaks of His desire to grow in Christ in Philippians Chapter 3.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.  I want to know Christ - yes to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3: 8-11)

(www.pinterest.com)

If there is ever a day that I approach any worldly endeavor with more zeal and passion than my walk with Jesus, may I always be set right again upon the path with Him.  As the lyrics of a popular Third Day song state, "nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You Lord."  No riches, no level of success, and no popularity or fame can compare or satisfy.  We weren't created to place our hearts and our best attentions elsewhere.  In the deepest, truest places of my soul, I find a longing that always draws me back to the foot of the cross with my eyes turned heavenward.

        

Y is for...

  is for yardstick.




About a month ago, I spent the day at a workshop at church called Spiritual DNA.  During this program, the participants were led through a variety of sessions and exploratory discussions to better understand what makes us uniquely ourselves.  Based on a variety of assessments I took prior to the workshop, I was able to delve deeper into understanding my personality type, where my spiritual gifts rest, and how I most desire to serve.  Just the other night, I pulled out my folder from Spiritual DNA and was looking back at one of my personality assessments; my results were certainly spot on.  I am very much a peacekeeper who desires to nurture others while avoiding conflict or tension.  While there are a number of traits within my personality type that are beneficial to myself and others around me, it is important to be aware of the weaknesses that we must overcome as well.  For example, understanding that conflict creates much disquietude in my life and that maintaining well-being is very important to me, I find that I can easily slip into a routine of looking to others for their opinions and feelings and then adjusting my actions accordingly in order to avoid making waves.  While this approach can be helpful in many settings, it can also lead to a trap that many are apt to fall into: the yardstick mentality.

Do you too find yourself measuring yourself and your actions based on those around you before responding accordingly?  Perhaps instead you have fallen into the trap of looking first and foremost to the significant individuals in your life for affirmation and confirmation of your worth.  What I call "the yardstick mentality" (measuring something in your life based on the views, reactions, and actions of others) can, I think, be found in the lives of nearly every individual in some form and to varying degrees.  The question lies, then, with how we might approach this mindset and replace it with a healthier lens.

Let me show you where my heart turns in addressing this matter.  As a follower of Christ, it is first and foremost crucial to remember that above all else, my identity is in Him.  I am His daughter, His dearly loved child.  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!  (1 John 3:1)  When I wrap my mind around that thought, I find that it is truly extraordinary.  My Creator, my Lord, and my God loves me as His child, unconditionally and with no bounds.  When I measure myself and respond through my actions based on His view of me, everything changes.  In fact, we find the faultiness in measuring against human opinions and standards that are unlike God's view of His children.  The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)  If we continually look to those around us, it's as if we were using the wrong measuring tool!  I wouldn't use a cup measure to find the length of an object.  So then we must stop measuring ourselves and our lives so inaccurately time and again.  And what of those of us who shy from conflict and tension whenever possible?  On one hand, this can be a great strength.  Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)  However, if I'm measuring situations continually based on others, it can be unhealthy in some cases.  I have not been called to be cowardly or weak.  With Christ as my foundation, I am reminded that I needn't fear the opinions or reactions of others.  If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)  May you and I find a balance between the beautiful qualities that God has given us to love and interact with one another and the ways in which these can cause us to fall.  I break the yardstick of measuring against others and remember who I am.  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. (1 Timothy 1:7)  Let us be bold in who we each are and who He has created us to be.     

  
    

X is for...

     is for x-ray.




Some might call it luck, others chance.  Quite frankly it seems a small miracle to me that during the years of my life I have never broken a bone.  I cheered, I tumbled, and to be quite honest, I'm fairly clumsy.  The fact that all of my bones have escaped unscathed leaves me feeling very fortunate.  While I've never had to endure the painful experience of a broken bone, I've had classmates, friends, and students who have arrived on the scene with a cast and story to tell.  You see, while going about their daily lives, something had gone amiss.  Although perhaps on the outside they seemed fine, further medical attention suggested otherwise.  An x-ray revealed the reality on the inside although the outer may have clouded or tried to cover it up.   

My bones may certainly be intact, but this actually is my story after all.  I bet if you are honest with yourself, it's your story too.  Every day we work our hardest to have it all together.  You have a great career.  You just bought a new house.  You have an amazing boyfriend/girlfriend or a loving spouse.  Your brand new baby is healthy and beautiful.  The kids are on the honor roll at school.  You just received a call that you landed your dream job.  You fill your evenings and weekends with social obligations and friends.  You work out relentlessly at the gym to get the fit and toned physique that others envy.  You volunteer and give your time to others because you want to make a difference.  Imagine with me for a moment, then, that we were each subjected to a life x-ray.  When the doctor held it up to the light, would you want an audience to see it?  If you're anything like me, you'd probably be strategically placing yourself in front of the image or switching off the light.  "Never mind, Doc.  Don't worry about it.  Life's great. I'm doing well.  It's all dandy.  Thanks for your time and see you later!"  Although the routines of our lives may have others convinced, we all know the mess to be found inside.  With this honest realization, its seems that people fall into one of two camps: having it all together on the outside is good enough and most important or they'll keep working and striving on their own until they are good enough to make the inner match the outer.

Can I suggest to you a third and, I believe, better choice?  First of all, it's important to recognize that we all are missing the mark.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:23.  To be complacent and think that our condition is good enough just isn't true.  We are not living up to the potential we were created to have.  How then do we tackle this problem?  "Let's just try harder.  Let's get to work!" many rally and cry out.  Unfortunately no matter how earnest our efforts, we simply cannot prove our worth and make ourselves right by our own means.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.  If we realize that the status quo isn't good enough and that we can't fix the problem on our own, we come to the understanding that surrendering to God and letting His sacrifice cover us is the true option.  An yet still, this is so hard for many.  How could we ever approach Jesus with a heart condition like it is?  We know we can cover it up for others, but He can see right through the charade.  Here's the good and beautiful news my friends.  Breathe easy.  He sees you as you are, He loves you as you are, and He bids you to come to Him just as you are.  Hear this, His own words: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."  Turn the light back on, and pull the x-ray back out for inspection.  Calling all patients who, when honest with themselves, understand that they can't do it on their own.  The Great Physician came for you and He came for me.  Would you allow Him to do a healing work in your life and to make you anew?  It's your choice.  The Doctor is in.                    

W is for...

 

  is for wobbly.



One of my good friends has a very energetic and bubbly two year old.  When I was visiting them recently, the little toddler told me how she had accidentally fallen on the stairs recently.  "Were you scared?" I asked her.  "Um....maybe a little bit," she replied.  (Let me translate: It was super scary and I probably cried, but that was yesterday and a thing of the past, Cassie.  No biggie.)  She's a sweet little gal on the move who runs around letting me chase her when I visit, but her story reminded me that sometimes she still falls down.

I'm well beyond two years old now, but like this toddler I still get wobbly and lose my balance in life from time to time.  Sometimes it's literal, but unfortunately it's typically a bit more figurative in nature.  Just when I'm skipping right along in my walk of faith, I trip and fall.  I make a poor choice.  I regret my response to a situation.  I sin.  It would be one thing if it was a mistake or the first time, but I have plenty of experience under my belt.  One would think I'd be getting it right by now.  Enter the words of Paul: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.  It's certainly not an excuse for failures, but it is truth to be acknowledged.  Every single human who has ever walked the face of this world with only one exception has missed the mark.  No matter how hard we try, no matter how greatly we strive, our efforts are not enough.  Only through the sacrifice and grace of my beloved Savior am I made righteous before God.  Thank you Jesus!  When he let Himself be led to the cross and nailed upon it, I know He knew just how wobbly and mistake filled my and your life would be, but He loved us all the same.  There was no condition that I had to be good enough first.  No, He lavished His grace so freely upon me that day.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8.        

That's the beautiful news worth celebrating.  You don't have to be perfect.  Come as you are.  Let His forgiveness and love wash over you making you new.  I know I'm not always going to get it right.  When we slip and fall, we must allow Him to help us back up again and keep walking forward.  One day when this life is over, I will stand before my Creator.  He'll know His child so well.  With a heart and life led for him, I pray that He will look upon me and speak the words that every soul will long to hear.  Well done, good and faithful servant.  Matthew 25:23.  Well done.

V is for...

  is for vicarious.




Much like the rest of the world, I watched some of the Olympics several weeks ago.  Probably like you, I was very impressed with the athleticism and determination of the athletes in each sporting event.  And also like you, I sat there and thought, "Wow, I wish I was that good at _____________  (No, not equestrian sports........gymnastics of course).  But alas, my gymnastics dreams died years ago amid the piles of mats and the infamous "cheese pit" where I once took lessons.  There was no way my lack of flexibility would lead me to the platform for gold.  It's fine, I've come to terms with it.  I see people around me or in the world who are each outstanding in their little niche.  They are inspiring athletes or teachers or parents or writers or volunteers or group leaders or mentors......and the list goes on and on.  "Wow," I think, "how inspirational.  I wish I could be more like that."  I watch and I admire, living vicariously through the successes and talents of others.

Take for example a book I read recently that absolutely floored me.  After my friend Heather recommended it, I put in my request at the library.  When I saw my queue number, I knew it was going to be an enjoyable read, but I had not idea just how much it would impact me.  7 by Jen Hatmaker is a book about one woman and her seven month journey to fast from the areas of excess in her life.  Each month, she chose something which she and her family were incredibly wasteful of and limited her involvement in it.  For example, one month she only ate seven different foods to better understand what it's like to live in other countries of poverty where there are millions starving daily.  In yet another month, she gave away seven possessions a day to those in need.  Talk about making me feel like an overly selfish individual.  Again, the words that came to my mind were, "I wish I could be more like that!"  Radical, action-oriented, someone leaving a footprint of change in my circles of influence and beyond.

So why not?  I can't sit around and hope that the people who inspire me will simply rub off some of their awesomeness on me.  I can't vicariously enjoy and be impacted by their courage and action and pretend that they represent people like me.  No, it's time to step up to the plate.  Here are some things that I'm learning as I ponder my desire to let God use me as an instrument in powerful ways.

1. My talents aren't the same as someone else's skills and abilities.  Just because they are making a difference in an incredible way doesn't mean that I can or should expect for God to use me in that same exact way.  He made us unique for a reason. 

2. If I'm desiring to make a difference, then I can't have my cake and eat it too.  It requires stepping outside of comfort zones and letting go of what our society says we each "deserve."  How twisted is that expectation anyways?  I deserve nothing.  Every good and perfect gift is from above... (James 1:17)  Every blessing in my life is an extension of my Father's incredible grace and love.  May I return it back to him in full measure.

3. Impacting others doesn't have to take place in obvious, loud, and attention-drawing ways (although sometimes it does)!  God moves and uses us in many ways both subtle and obvious.  It's not about us and the accolades that we can receive.  It's all about bringing glory to Him.

4.  Learning and desiring to let God work through me is going to be uncomfortable.  It's not for the faint of heart, it's for the heart of faith. 

5. Last but not least, it's not alright for me to sit around and wait until I feel ready or deserving of being used by God.  One of my dear camp friends once shared a quote with me that says it all.  "God doesn't call the qualified.  He qualifies the called."  As we looked back at every Bible hero outside of Jesus, we find men and women desperately flawed and hopeless.  Yet with His power at work in their lives, God used willing and obedient servants to make waves and impact His people.


May I never be content in self-centered living.  May we be bold and courageous enough to step out in faith.  Let us not live vicariously through warriors of Christ but offer our own hands, feet, and lives to walk the incredible path and adventure that God has planned for each of us.