In my recent posts I’ve been exploring the theme of what’s “normal.” “Normal,” for the first century missionary Paul was often intense and dangerous (see 2 Corinthians 4:13-18). His life was definitely not what most of us think of as the blessed life, yet I believe Paul would disagree. His goal wasn’t comfort. His goal in life wasn’t based on material things (bigger and faster, latest and greatest, fame and fortune). His goal was to obey the vision which God had given to him. Paul pursued this vision to the point he was able to boldly and confidently testify to King Agrippa (Acts 26:19 NLT): “I was not disobedient to that vision from heaven.”
It’s hard to imagine Paul’s life. Normal for him was prison, or on the run from enemies, or experiencing danger in all forms. It’s hard to relate his story to the lives most of us lead. At the same time, we daily face challenges to a life of obedience. For us, the challenge may come in the form of seeking a life of comfort and convenience, rather than a life of obedience and the pursuit of God-directed opportunities. I don’t know if following God’s lead always moves us away from comfort and convenience, but I think it most often does. Obeying the Lord will move us beyond our spiritual and material resources. Obedience to the Lord will likely expose our deficiencies and insecurities, and all of us have plenty of both.
How many of us have hesitated in obeying the Lord because we didn’t think we had the gifts/talents, wisdom, or strength to take on an opportunity being presented to us?
We become aware of an opportunity, and the first thing we do is conduct an assessment of whether we’re adequate for the task. We look at what we can do, and fail to consider what God can do. It’s at this point there’s often two types of people who emerge: First, there’s the arrogant person, who possesses a high opinion of themselves. They believe they can do anything. In fact, they’re so good they don’t even think they need God’s help. As you know, this person is dangerous because their pride will cause them to do and say things which will ultimately cause damage. Watch out for this person!
There’s a second type of person. This is someone who is so self-focused they allow their deficiencies and insecurities to influence their obedience. Rather, than relying more on the Lord and moving forward in obedience, they run from opportunities to be used by him in new and different ways. It’s because of these two types of individuals that humility is such an important character quality. As long as we maintain humility, as in an accurate opinion of who we are and what we can do, as well as a solid biblical understanding of who we are and who God is, we can move forward as God directs our steps.
It almost seems like today’s blog has focused on two different thoughts, first, what is normal, and, second, obedience. I see these thoughts coming together, in that the normal life of a follower of Jesus Christ will lead us into situations which are uncomfortable and inconvenient, even dangerous at times, IF we are “not disobedient to that vision from heaven.”
As I sometimes like to say, the most calm and peaceful place in any city is the cemetery. Be careful in asking the Father to bring calm and peace into your life.
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