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Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. John 12:25
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My husband and son returned home from a ministry trip in Liberia on June 16th. When they called from the airport Mark said they would be a little bit delayed because their luggage was still in Paris and they had to fill out some paperwork.
Well, it’s June 27th and all the baggage was returned to us except Hudson’s. His is somewhere in Europe. The airline has basically told us to inventory what he packed so that it can be replaced. I am somewhat sentimental and my first thought was, “But that stuff in Europe is Hudson’s stuff!”
Fettered by Unmet Expectations.
Yesterda
PINIMAGEy, I was riding home with Sophie from her All-Stars softball practice. She was honored to be chosen to play on the team. And while we’ve been at the practices we have seen that the dynamic is quite different from the regular season. We were discussing the fact that on all-star teams everyone is pretty much equally skilled. We talked about the importance of not comparing ourselves to others (whether thinking better or worse). We talked about being a team-player no matter where she ends up playing…even if it means sitting the bench. Then I talked with her about being an example of Christ. I told her to walk in humility, not to have expectations. I encouraged her to let go of any feelings of entitlement and pride.
Fettered by Entitlement.
Not long ago I faced an experience that I believe doesn’t just pertain to pastor’s wives but one that is very common in this particular role. Not long ago, I encountered a situation that felt laden with a double standard for me. My feelings were hurt. I wondered why it was okay to have such high expectations for me…that I could be criticized for not meeting these unrealistic expectations instead of being seen in the light of my flawed humanity. What’s worse, I felt the criticism was unfounded. In my heart, I wanted justice.
Fettered by the need for Justice.
While meditating on some verses I read this morning in the Bible, I realized all of these things I just described are actually fetters. They shackle our hearts to the things of this world. I’m reminded that the things God teaches our hearts are often contrary to the desires of our flesh and the natural response to everyday situations.
Christ tells us often in the Bible that to be a Christ follower is to be a sojourner. Life looks different on all fronts. Christ lived a life of paradox and He calls us to do the same.
It’s a life unfettered.
Do you know that I was able to look to Jesus in each one of these situations in order to navigate our way through.
Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. John 12:25
This verse seems almost like a riddle of sorts. What does it look like to “care nothing for my life”? What does it mean to “keep life for eternity”?
Well, let’s look back at these situations in the light of what the Bible says. In reference to the lost luggage. Paul gives us an example of how to face something like this with eternity in mind. He says in Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
With or without Hudson’s luggage being returned, I can live contented in Christ.
What about Sophie’s experience on this all-star team? What if she sits the bench? What if her talent is overlooked? She’s out there among her peers. It’s tempting to want to impress. What’s the most important message in all of this? Rise to the top? Or serve your teammates?
Philippians 2:3-4 says,
3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
It’s my prayer that my children will seek to be like Jesus in their everyday life…even on the softball field. I know this won’t be a natural response.
And what about me and my hurt feelings? What’s really going on in my heart that makes me vulnerable to hurt feelings? The Bible says I’m not my own.
You are not your own… For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s – (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
When I face situations that seem unfair, they are to be taken up with my Lord. I can go before Him with my burden and trust Him to care for me. Following His plan in each situation brings Him glory and works for my good…no matter what I face.
I was reading just this morning and found some great truth to anchor myself upon once again in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. It spoke to my expectations for justice and really to all three scenarios I’ve shared with you today. I hope it encourages you as it did me!
June 27
The Overshadowing of God’s Personal Deliverance
I am with you to deliver you,’ says the Lord -Jeremiah 1:8
God promised Jeremiah that He would deliver him personally- “. . . your life shall be as a prize to you . . .” (Jeremiah 39:18). That is all God promises His children. Wherever God sends us, He will guard our lives. Our personal property and possessions are to be a matter of indifference to us, and our hold on these things should be very loose. If this is not the case, we will have panic, heartache, and distress. Having the proper outlook is evidence of the deeply rooted belief in the overshadowing of God’s personal deliverance.
The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on a mission for Jesus Christ, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, “Don’t worry about whether or not you are being treated justly.” Looking for justice is actually a sign that we have been diverted from our devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will only begin to complain and to indulge ourselves in the discontent of self-pity, as if to say, “Why should I be treated like this?” If we are devoted to Jesus Christ, we have nothing to do with what we encounter, whether it is just or unjust. In essence, Jesus says, “Continue steadily on with what I have told you to do, and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance.” Even the most devout among us become atheistic in this regard- we do not believe Him. We put our common sense on the throne and then attach God’s name to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts (see Proverbs 3:5-6).
Friend perhaps today you’ve unwittingly become fettered by circumstances and you are feeling discouraged, or defeated, or mistreated. Let God break the chains that hold you down. Commit each situation to Him and ask Him for wisdom to carry you through. Watch Him work. He will deliver. He will encourage. He will teach and guide. He will guard your life and help you live unfettered.
