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Lay down my sword and shieldSunday, June 5, 2011
1 Peter 4:13-16
You are blessed when insulted for the name of Christ, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you ... Do not be ashamed. Glorify God.
Electronics. Panera or Starbucks in the morning. Free shipping from Amazon. Finding a beautiful Italian leather Bible at Big Lots for only $10 and not even counting it a precious pearl. In my life suffering is often abstract. I experience insults only rarely, and they are very "earthy." I am insulted by that 2011 Impala cutting off my 2007 Prius in traffic fueled by oil from the Middle East. What is that about? Certainly not an insult "for the name of Christ," regardless of whether or not I take his name in vain during that self-righteous moment. In the absence of suffering I can at least be thankful. I can choose to notice and identify moments of freedom and privilege, and thank God for them. The trouble comes when God responds. "As you have been given, so also give." So often God seems to be asking me to take a few more risks with my money, stuff, time, and even my body. Peter says it too. Don't settle for an easy life. "Rejoice to the extent you share in the sufferings of Christ." How do I, Lord, follow you onto the cross? What does it mean for ME ... to die into your resurrection? I can talk a blue streak about it and still do so little. Sometimes I think it's like I'm watching myself wither and making up stories while I watch. The stories might be powerful, but my arms and legs are weak and getting weaker. To the extent that I protect myself, I deprive God of the chance to protect me. Is that common sense or foolishness? Is it common sense to drop my house insurance? My house ... is it foolishness to sell my house? How deep does my American security go? The more I think about this, the more I get tangled in Stuff, and Fear and ... I see the idols, I honor the idols, and yet I want to be a Christ-follower. This betrayal I feel in my heart, Lord, my betrayal of you is getting clearer to me. I am so thankful for your patience and your love. There is no way out of my tangle other than following the taste and smell and touch of your love. Thank you for staying so close. Keep breathing on me, Lord. |
It's verses like these that confuse my American life. Prosperity gospel permeates my life, my mind, my words. I have become accustomed to safety, freedom of speech, and much comfort.