11/18/16
There's a reason kids think they can fly, walk on water, and jump over buildings. There's also a reason they want to be astronauts, firemen, or Batman. In their child-like faith, they truly believe in the possibility of magical power. Slowly, they grow up and lose touch with that faith, and become...us.
In the world, there is a magical power of gravity. True gravity is a good thing because it grounds us and keeps us from floating off into space. I'm more inclined to think of true gravity as closely resembling true humility, where you realize your humanity and your own limitations and frailties. There is another worldly gravity, more on the lines of Satanic gravity. In this world, everything is working to pull you down spiritually. We must be careful, even in Christian service, where busyness and focus on performance can actually draw us away from the Lord. Ministry, along with any other endeavor, hobby, or achievement can even become idolatry, where you worship your own good works. Deep discouragement can be right around the corner, in these cases. Jesus came to bring us freedom from this-to give us anti-gravity powers. He made us to fly and overcome this world. How do we do this? It is by faith that we overcome this downward pull. Jesus is looking for us to have faith in Himself and in His truths. He's counting on it. He's even praying for us! Remember what He told Peter before he denied Jesus three times? "Satan has asked Me permission to tear you down, but I'm praying your faith remains strong." (Bush Paraphrase Version)
Have a real, genuine, child-like faith in Jesus, friends. We are entering the Christmas season, where we can truly observe kids entrenched in a wholehearted faith. Enjoy that and regain some for yourselves. It's time we fight this battle of faith and have some victories. "Whatever is true; whatever is noble; whatever is right; whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Phil. 4: 8-9). Lift your thoughts on high. Think on a positive, heavenly plain. Determine to be deliberately thankful for everything, trusting in God's complete and consistent goodness as your perfect Father who always has perfect timing in everything. Look at the lyrics and the story behind the song, "We Were Made to Rise", by Danny Gokey.
It would be wise for us to remember the many paradigms described in the Bible. They speak into this gravitational war and give us insight and encouragement. Last will be first. Least will be greatest. Poor will be rich. Die to live. Lose to win. It's these kind of spiritual truths that help us transcend and overcome worldly gravity. True humility should not be striven for. We shouldn't "try" to be humble. True humility is developed supernaturally, as a result of following Jesus in a fallen world. Don't worry, it will happen along the way. The more closely and longer you follow Jesus, the more humility develops and deepens.
Enjoy Thanksgiving this week. It's yet another major holiday, where we celebrate something one day per year that we should be doing every day of the year. And we may even mess that up in all the hustle and bustle of the stressful striving to host the perfect holiday! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:4-7) There is so much within those verses, it is difficult to even begin to summarize without expounding into a much longer discourse. I encourage you to dwell on these words and let His presence sink into your minds. These are His words. He spoke them through Paul. His Word is life. Feed on it, as a major staple of your spiritual diet.
The world is about building you and your kingdom up. It's about puffing up your pride and self. Let's be more about Jesus. Let's be about allowing Him to be built up in our lives. Let's be about letting Him be bigger in us. Let's be about building His kingdom. May we decrease, as John the Baptist stated, so that He may increase in our lives. It's for Your glory, Jesus. You deserve it. The Father has given us to You as gifts this season. You purchased us with Your blood. You bought us at a high price. You certainly deserve our whole-hearted offering of ourselves in thanksgiving. Thank You for all that You are, all that You've done, and all that You're going to do!
