Changing my mind (again)

I told a friend of mine a couple of weeks ago that I'd love a how-to book to prep us all on how to handle life's every situation. I have changed my mind. I am learning that if I get too many how-to's at one time, I get entirely overwhelmed at how little I can actually follow them. Don't get me wrong; I can follow directions step by step, even if they are in another language. I can program the VCR (if I have the instruction booklet). I can read a subway map, whether it be in New York City or London or Paris or Rio (buses are probably a different story -- haven't tried yet). But when it comes to "how to improve your life" or "8 secrets to happy friendships" or "how not to get overwhelmed," I am struck by the fact that every set of "how-to" instructions in life purports that they are the secret to happiness, and that if we hold to a set of principles that we will be (fill-in-the-blank here). What I am learning is that regardless of how well we follow the principles, we should always begin with seeking the Lord and what He has to say on the subject. Of course, that's where the Bible comes in, but it's seen by so many people as just a book of rules. Hmmph. The "rules" are only given in 4 books, and they were among the very earliest written! Point being, of course, that the people complaining about the "rules" are missing the whole point. Besides, haven't people heard of the New Testament? Hello! What rubs people the wrong way? The fact that Jesus told people to go and sin no more after He forgave them? Meaning, of course, that they can't live the way that they once did -- they are faced with the choice of whether to follow Jesus or go back to their old ways. Jim Elliot said that Jesus is a "crisis man." That He brought people to decision. One cannot walk away from Him unchanged, and the man who does is very sad, indeed (like the rich young ruler).
So, back on the original subject.... The Bible -- the Law, specifically, shows us where we fall short of the holiness of God. It was designed that way. Maybe that's why Martin Luther said that if we sin we should sin boldly. I don't know. Still thinking on that one. Righteousness came before the Law -- Abraham (and even Noah) was righteous before the Law was given. Did they sin (maybe the better question is were they ever disobedient)? Yes, but they believed God, and THAT was credited to them for righteousness. They had a living, dynamic relationship with their Creator. Instead of being a book of "rules," the Bible is designed to show us our Creator the way that He really is -- holy and faithful and just and compassionate (and if I keep going this will get way too long, but you get the point). And, of course, that shows us humans the way that we really are, but we have a great hope. We have the opportunity to have Christ live through us and in us. So few people actually understand that, and I mean KNOW it, not just read it in the Bible. How do we do it? Sometimes I'm still not sure. I just know that all the trying in the world is not going to make me righteous or do what it is that I need to do simply because it's right. Only Christ can do that, and only then when I allow Him to enter every part of my life. People get discouraged when they do wrong, or when they don't feel "good enough," but what they do not realize (and I still need to hear it sometimes!) is that their trying is not going to make them good enough. Many times, only getting to the end of our proverbial ropes and casting ourselves on the Lord's mercy and grace are the things that pick us back up and remind us that HE works in us and through us.

Doubly good

Two by two – Jesus sent His apostles out this way. After the sermon last night, I am reminded that He never meant for us to have to go it alone. The Christian life is not a solitary Christian life. It is meant to be lived in community. I tend to forget that sometimes, because what really gives me rest and remembrance is being alone with God. Being with people sometimes is not my cup of tea. Yet, I was designed to be in community. Spiritual “partners,” those who God has put into my path for one reason or another, are precious for whatever reason God gave them. So what does that mean? I’m not sure yet. I do know that we are to cling to our Christian friends, whether they be in our lives for a time or for always. I am so blessed to know that God gives us His greatest gift apart from Himself – people – freely and without reserve.

Double dipping

I was thinking tonight (praying, actually) about battles that I am now fighting in my own life. With myself, with my thoughts, my words, my actions, my attitudes. I prayed about all of these things, then I realized one important fact. God has already conquered all of these things. He has already won these things to Himself. I asked myself then, why must I fight battles that have already been won? Because I'm human, I suppose, but there is great rest in knowing that I don't need to do that.