As I have gotten older, my wisdom has increased, at least, I think it has. My awareness of my own desires, likes and dislikes has become more clear. My values are more firm, trust being at the top. My call by God and to this community of faith are more secure. I also am increasingly aware of how my own nature conflicts with God’s desires.
My nature wants comfy and cozy. It wants to be rolled up in a pillowy blanket in front of a warm fire, secure and watching the beauty outdoors through my extra-large bay windows. Unfortunately, my nature, ultimately, makes me as fluffy as the blanket I’m securely rolled up in. And this is not a good thing, physically or spiritually.
God’s desires are for my good, but that involves me not staying rolled up in my cozy blanket. God is always oriented outwards, towards the “others” of the world. Not simply looking at them through the windows, but engaging them, contacting them, interacting with them. With those I perceive to be different, or new.
But I like my people, the people I am comfortable with and enjoy. Yet, if I only interact with “my” people, it is sure to cause spiritual stagnation and atrophy.
On the other hand, my discomfort, my reaching out, listening, learning, and serving is often the way to spiritual strength. Because in these efforts, I am able to recognize that God is present and can be relied upon, and that I am not alone.
As I have grown older, I have also become more insulated. I don’t mean this in a good way.
This insulation comes from an awareness of my increased vulnerability and threats to my safety and security, if I allow it. This fear conflicts with God’s desires. Again, my natural tendencies conflict with God. Perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5 the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is contrary to the flesh.
Further, I am surrounded by change and that change is increasingly imposed on me. I am aware of a resistance to change and often my grasping for control, which seems to be innate in all humans (the desire for control that is). Yet, in a still small voice, God speaks that He has got me, and will guide my path, and I know in my spirit that God holds me close and will never let me go. Thank you God!!! And God holds you too!
In this new year, knowing God is pleased when we turn ourselves, our actions, our control over to God, and we humbly engage God in relationship, when we live generously, and when we reach out and boldly, yes boldly, engage “others” in God’s love, may this be our resolution. May we look to God to break through our natural tendencies and reveal God’s character through us.
May each of you find God in the other, be empowered by God to serve the other, and in that experience know God more intimately every day. May this be all our New Year’s Resolution. This new year I pray we all will be resolute in our service to God through, yes through, those we consider “others!” May God’s Spirit rule in your life, and share in the love and message of Christ.
