Tag Archives: greater

Training, not trying

 

When it comes to spiritual disciplines, I find a very helpful distinction – the difference between trying to do something and training to do something.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control,[b] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

The body’s role in all of this is to serve a greater purpose – it is there to serve my will, my mind and God. The body has no other role and it definitely is not to be served, but rather needs to be a good slave.

I know there is a need to exert undistracted effort. Once-in-a-while will not cut it and I believe for me it did not happen unless I put in daily effort. That means I need to know that I am in a race. It means I know I want to be a disciple and that requires discipline, dedication, proper conditioning and persistence. It means that it will not be easy, but there is a prize.

Here is my thinking – if I am in the race (wanting to be a disciple) I should win. I should have some spiritual ambition. There has to be moments when I look back at my life and see those moments where I have grown.

Maybe I should say right now that the gospel is opposed to earning favour with God through performance, but it does challenge us to serve Jesus. Training in the disciplines will transform us over time. I think of it as a long term conditioning program. It will require patience and perseverance.

Ultimately, my back has to be turned on doing what is not right. I cannot enter this race for holiness should I have love for sin in my heart. I cannot live with two standards – to do so means I will never win the prize.

 

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The all of me

 

Take All of Me

 

Reading the last chapter of Ecclesiastes is quite a refreshing look to all the valleys and mountaintops the rest of the book takes me through. Yet, I am reminded that I need to understand the importance of the entire book.

Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.  My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.[r]  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with[s] every secret thing, whether good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14  ESV

There is a little summary here and also a tiny message that warns that too much study, chasing human wisdom, is limited and transitory and therefore is not sufficient. However, more importantly, is the desire to reverence and obey God for this is giving my all, it is my purpose. This is the struggle through the whole book – for this call of mine, this duty; this purpose is in complete opposition to the things of this world which is called “vanity.” The things of this world will pass, but my relationship with God will endure – and then there is the judgment. My priorities need to be not of this world, but the things of God.

When I look at what Jesus accomplished and He stated that greater works we would do, I know my journey is far from what He has purposed for me. I think about this story in particular and I am amazed of what must have been put in place for this miracle to happen.

 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”  He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”  And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.  However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel.[g] Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” – Matthew 17:24-27  ESV

First of all, I love the fact that Jesus knew that paying taxes were not really necessary. However, in order that He does not cause offense, Jesus arranges for the money.

This is where the miracle takes place. Look at how much control He has over the situation and how precise this miracle is. The fish yields the exact amount needed to pay the taxes, and it is the first fish that took Peter’s hook or that he pulled from his net. The purpose and pleasure of Christ’s will – which all creation obeys – guided that single fish out of multiple schools in the lake. Jesus, Lord of Creation, controls all things – the sea’s fish and the earth’s silver.

I loved the fact that not only did Jesus pay for Himself, but He also paid for Peter. What a vision of Jesus coming alongside and saying they were in relationship. We may be servants but we are more than that.

There is a need for me to grasp that the greatness in the Kingdom comes from service and humility. Jesus’ phrase, “not to give offense” motivates me to walk in meekness and wisdom as I give all of me to Him.

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