I used to think being a Christian was about doing the right thing, being good enough, and trying hard so I could go to heaven and not go to hell. I could never have told you I felt this way, but I can see it now. Being a Christian is about living the way He created us to live with Him, participating with Him, creating and loving with Him. He had plans for the earth, and He wanted humans to be part of that; the most amazing thing is He still does!
What a different way of thinking – a different way of seeing God, life, and understanding our purpose. Yes, God may have been angry and upset when we chose to go our own way, but I think, mostly, His heart was broken. He knew we would not be living the way He created us to live and our lives would not work. This broke His heart.
Wow! This is different than seeing life being about trying to be good enough, trying always to do the right thing, and even seeing life as trying to “get into heaven” and “stay out of hell” – as amazing as that is!
Having this paradigm shift in how I see God, myself, the world, and other people is amazing. It changes everything … such freedom! Is this the abundant life Jesus talked about?
Life is no longer about trying, striving, or wondering, but about living and being present. From this place, I am working, having a voice, standing in the authority Jesus gave me in His name, and I am continuing to grow and learn.
It is exciting. It is adventurous. It is about being who I was meant to be -a human being united with the Triune God. I am free to relate to Him the way He meant for me to. I am free to relate to the world, others, and myself the way I was meant to all along.
Salvation is not to get saved from our humanity; it is to redeem our humanity. The Christian journey is not about becoming less human, it is about becoming more fully human.
A final thought:
“No one escapes being wounded in this world. Those wounds do not disqualify us from being part of God’s mission, but He uses our wounds to help heal those we encounter. Don’t hide your wounds, when you do, they become a source of shame. God’s mission is not about being perfect. It is about wounded people living with Christ welcoming more wounded people into His presence. The risen Jesus sent His followers into the world: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Jesus’s obedience to His Father’s mission cost him, we too will be wounded by this world that we have been sent to love.” – Skye Jethani
Personal Reflection:
He has called you by name and you are invited into His great family. So, rise up; take your place. Lift your head high. Participate with Him in the lives of those around you, everywhere you go; on the bus, in the restaurants, on the streets – those places you would never think of. Where you go He is there too. Be aware of His presence with you. Ask Him how He wants you to participate with Him in His mission right where you are through the unique way He created you, all by the power of Holy Spirit.
Listen to the Song Below:
Yes it has a beat, but be still, listen to the words; picture yourself with God and with others; you are not alone. Maybe you are dancing (can you imagine!?); could Jesus, Holy Spirit, the Father be dancing too? Can you see yourself as part of it all? Start moving. Maybe it is just around the room, but be you! Give yourself permission to be who God created you to be. This is the abundant life. Don’t you want to run and tell others?!?
“I will bless you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.” – Luke 6:21
“Arise and shine for your light has come…” – Isaiah 60:1
We Have Found Our Home by Becky Frith
(From the Album Incredible Grace, which can be bought from iTunes or www.beckyfrithmusic.com)
You have called us by name
We are loved, we belong, we are free
You have freed us from shame
Now we sing of Your mercy and grace
We’re invited in, part of Your great family
And within Your love we have found our home
We are one in Christ
By Your Spirit, welcomed in
And within Your love we have found our home
We have found our home
Now we all take our place
With our heads lifted high we will stand
We are known and embraced
In this perfect and infinite love
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we worship You
Hearts united in Your presence, we worship You
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we worship You
We’re adopted, Yours forever, we live in You
Additional Reading:
Teresa Greer Drew (2017) Pages From Her Story
