A Necessary Evil?
January 2, 2012
Ah…January 1….again. Here I sit, watching a little football contemplating what another will bring me (and us, assuming the Mayans aren’t correct and we will all go down in some crazy apocalyptic scenario before this year ends naturally). Our perspective in making such speculations is often built on what we consider to be the ‘constants’ in our lives, things that we perceive as solid, dependable, and generally non-variable. Yet, if 2011 taught me anything, is that this list of perceived constants is MUCH shorter than we would hope or or like.
In fact, in truth, there may be no such list, except in our own mind.
But that is really a topic for another day, much too deep for todays’ ponderings. Let’s face it, in one’s practical theology, there are certain things we tend to take as universal constants, at least in our corner of the world, even though when pressed for our theological and philosophical answers we know to be correct, we know we should say, “if the Lord wills”. So while I know God is perfectly within His sovereign right and will to take my life today, I get out of bed thinking/hoping/praying that this won’t be the case, and I’ll be serving Him in some fashion that doesn’t include a tragedy, humanly speaking. That’s not denial as much as just a way of living that keeps us doing what we’re called to within the revealed scope of His will; that stuff like, “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God”.
Back to necessary evils. I know a good number of people who let January 1 come and go without any thought, much less anything resembling resolution. I myself have set and failed a great number of them myself, and as I think about what Christ may want for me this year my thoughts drift to setting my mind and will to certain things and goals once again. Some that I’ve made before, and fell short of. Some are newer goals. But as I was reading in a book given to me recently, “Grace Walk” by Steve McVey, I was reminded of an important truth that has much to offer me as well as anyone reading going into a new year.
“You can rededicate yourself again and again, but at the bottom of it all, you still have self trying to live for God. Self effort is the essence of legalism. It is pointless to pray for God to help you live for Him. That may by your goal, but it isn’t His. He wants to live His life through you.”
Maybe its the date on the calendar, maybe its my particular life station I find myself in. Either way, I am fighting the urge to try harder, do more, make another list, find a program. Rededicate myself.
This year, I just want to be with Him and let Him do what He wants with me. Much easier said (and typed) than done. But as I head into 2012 along with all of humanity looking for more I leave you with this goal from Phil.3:10-11…
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
So I lift up my metaphorical toast glass and cheer you all to knowing Him more in 2012! Cheers!
coram deo – rob