Ends and Means

There is this song I really enjoy by Caedmon's Call. It talks about that God not only plans the end but He will also plan the means. Sometimes, often, I sin in my doubt of God's goodness, sovereignty and love. I wrestle to set my mind on the things of Christ, and far too oft realize that for days I have let down my guard and slowly didn't notice until I wonder why I am in such a funk, and then there is that realization. And even that comes through Grace.

In his book Humility C.J Mahaney drives home the ever present Grace of God (and our desperate dependence on it). It's there whether we acknowledge it or not. I want to come to live at the foot of the cross more and more. At this point I still get antsy and move away trying to yet again be god in my life and tell the real King how it should go. But ever so gently and with great patient-love, He trains me. He doesn't punish, He teaches.

I was sick this weekend. Nothing like laryngitis to smack you in the face with your need for grace and your own insufficiency. If not for grace, there is nothing. We have absolutely nothing to boast in. And when we do get the gall to boast, it's laughable! To say I am strong and healthy and not in need of more sleep? Bah! This flimsy flesh of mine crashes and sleep claims me and demands I submit to the frailty and admit that I am not God. My "goodness"? Bah! Another song says "You stay God though I stay man, you give more though I give less, and I have been the most and the least of these but you're the same to me" (The Merry Way). He stays God. No matter what we do. No matter how great we think we are. He stays God. And He keeps giving love. Keeps giving grace. I'm preparing a lesson for the Jr. High kids at church Sunday. We've been discussing other religions and Christianity and some of the distinctives. This image of an old scale is vivid in my mind. You know, the old kind with the fulcrum in the middle and a brass basin on either side? In every other religion one works to get enough good marks to get to go to heaven. If the good outweighs the bad, if they reach a certain level of enlightenment, a certain point of self-awareness or devotion or adherence to rules... There in the balance, all their deeds are weighed and if there are enough... But Jesus, He just takes the scale away. So Mahaney talks about cultivating an awareness of grace. I'm trying that. Ask about the specifics or read the book. I'd love to talk to you about it!

So I must be living the means. But the end to which it leads? I really have no real idea. I mean, ultimately I know Jesus will rule, but here on earth, where all this is leading, that part? We shall see! So many answered prayers, such deep confirmation and grace! But it is getting late so more on that to come!