Readings for today: Ephesians 1-4
Rich and full. That’s how I describe my life to others. A friend of mine asked me the other day why I don’t ever tell anyone how busy I am. After all, he is a close enough friend to know the demands on my time. He knows how hard I run. He knows I pastor a church, teach seminary, train indigenous church planters internationally, and serve my denomination. He knows I have four children, all of whom are moving into adulthood. He knows I have aging parents and other family commitments. He knows I have a strong marriage of almost thirty years. He knows all this and yet he also knows how much I love my life. He can see in the way I live and lead how grateful I am for everything I have been given. So when he asked me why I never tell others I’m “busy”, I shared with him it’s because “busyness” is something we largely choose for ourselves. After all, I don’t have to do everything I do. I could easily step back from some of my commitments to get more time back in my life. Most people I know use “busyness” as an excuse or claim “busyness” as a complaint when, in fact, they are responsible for the choices they’ve made that create the “busy” conditions of their lives. And because I believe this, I choose to look at my life more positively. My life is “rich and full” and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. It doesn’t mean there aren’t hard seasons or tough moments but those are to be expected in a fallen world. I choose to lean into Christ. I choose to lean into love.
That’s probably why I love the words from the Apostle Paul in today’s reading from the Message version of the Bible. In response to the “busyness” of his life, Paul says, “my response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (Ephesians 3:14-20 MSG) Isn’t that a beautiful vision of the Christian life? Both feet firmly planted on love. Taking in all the extravagant dimensions of God’s grace. Living full lives in the fullness of God.
Does that describe your life? Why not? After all, God can do anything. Far more than you can imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! Do you believe Him? Do you trust Him? Of course, a full life with God doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges or obstacles to overcome. It doesn’t mean there won’t be trials and temptations. It simply means these things, by and large, won’t gain a foothold in your life. They won’t be able to gain any purchase. They won’t cling to you or define you or hold you back. Instead, you will be filled with God’s love and grace and mercy and peace in ways that pass all understanding.
Readings for tomorrow: Ephesians 5-6, Titus 1-3