I shared some reflections a few weeks ago. Although I've been a Bible learner and disciple of Christ for many years, I do not yet have this walk figured out. It's filled with missteps and mistakes, and even when I re-read some of my prior posts, I can see how I could have represented the truth more fully and adequately. It is humbling to know that God still brings truth even in our tiny bit of understanding.
Today, we start a Bible study I've refused to write for months. It is a chapter out of my dark soul and a testament to the bright communion God showed me over a long, swarthy night. I know I need to sit still and get some of the messy, messy work God has graciously done down on paper. I dread it and welcome it all in one.
Seems like we just kicked-off Colossians yesterday, but I **blinked** and this week we wrap up with a short 18 verse study. Beginning in early May we will do a quick stint in Philemon and read of Paul’s plea for his friend, Onesimus (Philemon is only one chapter, and it’s the final of Paul’s Prison Epistles). I have some BIG NEWS to share soon regarding Divinely Interrupted. The suspense is killing you, isn’t it? Okay, fine. I’ll go ahead and spill the beans.
Think about where you live. When it’s dirty – you know, clothes strung out, crusty dishes in the sink, mud caked on the floors, that weird smell coming from the bathroom – you can’t snap your fingers and it all magically goes back in place. The same with our own spiritual houses. From God’s perspective, we are neat and tidy, but sin still has residency. There are emotions strung out, dirty thoughts wandering the corridors, mud on our lips, and the pungent stench of pride. The penalty of sin is removed, but sin itself doesn’t evaporate when we say, “I will follow.” It’s a process, just like it is in our own physical homes. Room by room, closet by closet, the Lord transforms us. He helps pick up the messes, learn healthy practices, teaches where things belong, shows us what to throw out, and is a wonderful gentleman about it all.
We live in a world that loves to market that positive self-talk, feel-good, “live a happy life” message. It’s on the radio, in the bookstore, and touted from the pulpit because it’s what our itching ears want to hear. It’s a “light and fat-free” message of comfort, and it is exactly the noise that Satan wants us to hear.
With this fresh spring season comes a new Bible study to tuck under your floral belt (I hear florals are all the rage in fashion this year). Sometimes life is beige. It’s “eh.” It feels a little blah, blah, blah. But those average moments multiply and begin to formulate our lives as believers. Therefore, we must stay in our lane and run hard. Be tenacious!
