AS A younger man I behaved like an animal. No, actually, it was worse.
Animals act on instinct. Nature drives them, and they have a limited concept of self-control. Can animals be malicious and deceitful? Do monkeys lie? Maybe, but they aren’t very developed in this regard.
Meanwhile, men have no problem going way too far.
I was a negative influence on the world. Selfish and arrogant, I sinned and encouraged others to sin. I look back sometimes but not to torture myself. Instead, it’s to remind me of the deep pit from which the Lord lifted me up.
It all seems so crazy. The God of the universe, giving his innocent Son for me. It’s the deal of a lifetime. Instead of condemnation – which I deserve – I get salvation. I get to be at peace with God. I have eternal life.
I step into an indestructible identity. As a son of God. Jesus said so.
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” 1
Did God give you the same deal? He offers it freely to all.
What should be your response to this?
The greatest spiritual truth transforms and energizes every aspect of life.
It creates a voracious hunger for God, his presence, and his word.
It casts out fear of being misunderstood, ridiculed, or even alone. Because you know you are never alone.
You are urged to care for and improve yourself for the glory of God.
The Spirit pushes you to new limits, new levels of creativity, to give more and love more.
You are not out of touch with the times, instead you’re a shining light in a world of darkness. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” 2
You’re all in. The aggression and attacks of the enemy will rise against you, but you will not fall. Instead, you will proclaim Christ’s victory over all creation.
“A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand;
but it will not come near you.” 3
Have you experienced this? Is this who you are?
This is not a call to be foolish and unconnected. You have to go deeper. More patience, more mercy, humility, obedience, a wider more profound vision. Miracles will happen.
In all these things, you are Christ-like.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. ” 4
And when you fail, when you fall, it will cut you to the bone and pierce your heart. You will cry out and feel forsaken.
Still, you will know you can return. Always. Restored, strengthened, renewed to go back to God’s work.
Save souls. Save lives. Feed, clothe, and house the poor. Comfort the sick. Visit those in prison.
Build God’s Kingdom.
May the hand of God be upon you.
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1John 10:28-30
2Matthew 5:14
3Psalm 91:7
4John 14:12
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