A life shot through with glory... there's no life like it

The mercy and kindness of God- they know no end.  How else to explain the cross?  How else to explain why an innocent man would die so that others, his enemies, might have life.  Not just some ordinary, hum-drum, boring, profoundly empty, bitter existence.  Life in Christ is not some stoic, I’ll-get-through-this-somehow kind of life. No, it is a life that is shot through with glory; even in the midst of great pain and suffering.  A life that overflows into the lives of others- demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  A life that already has been seated in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.  Being in Christ- there’s no life like it.  I would not trade a nano-second of my life in Christ, with anything the world may have to offer.  Yes, even when I am misunderstood; even when I am mocked; even when my uncertain feelings do not catch up with the reality of the depth of the gospel. 

“And this is life eternal.  That they may know Thee, the only true God

And Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”

(John 17:3)

Old Paths

Our squirrels; they have worn a narrow path from the house to the trees.  And the cat has come upon it- their scent is still on the trail, as she strains on her leash.  They use the same escape route every time.  I’m reminded of my own habits; using worn, narrow paths.  Turning to sleep rather than spending time in prayer; chasing after flowers rather than spending time visiting others.  Escaping into a good book rather than delving into the Good Book.  Keeping to myself, rather than engaging others in conversation, because sometimes it just seems very hard to look past the emptiness of it all and see people’s need of the gospel.   There’s nothing wrong with sleep and flowers and a good book and some solitary time, even at work.  But when they become the norm, something has to change. 

There are ancient boundaries that should not change- the lines of Scripture that always lead me back to the cross of Christ; the boundaries of good friends who are not afraid to re-direct my heart and the ancient pathways that call me to sweet worship and fellowship. 

It’s not enough to just “stop” an old habit- I need a new pathway to replace it.  And, wouldn’t you know it; it’s the one that will always bring me back to the narrow road that leads to eternal life.  Refreshing to be reminded that I am already on this narrow road- no one can take me from it.  Invigorating to remember that Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life and I am His forever.  Exhilarating to recall that my “adequacy is from God.” 

I’m going to walk that little narrow worn path made by my friendly squirrels- if only to remind me that I can break the old habits and renew my life in Christ- whom to know is life eternal.

“Not that we are adequate in ourselves 

to consider anything as coming from ourselves,

but our adequacy is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5)