Run To Him

I must admit, I've had a pre-emptive writer's block for some time now.  I think I made this blog about a month ago, and something, or Someone, has temporarily silenced my once super-curious mind.  While waiting for just the perfect thing to write about in my first of (God-willing) many blogs, I think Dad has given me 'just the perfect thing.' 

I recently finished reading THE SHACK. 

I don't want to ruin it for anyone who might decide to embark on the great spiritual journey that is this book, but it does a wonderful job expressing Dad's unlimited love for everyone, and it does so in such a gripping way.  Not only are the amazing doctrinal truths of Christian liberty, life free from Law, and Free Grace conveyed in THE SHACK, but more impressively painted is the elaborate picture of His deep desire to be in intimate relationship with me, and with you. 

My heart breaks whenever I hear people speak of Christianity as a list of rules, of 'do's' and 'don'ts.' Not only is this false religious concept  preached against in the Scriptures (check out Romans 6-8, Galatians, and Colossians), but it actually works against us in drawing us closer to Dad.  My heart also breaks, perhaps even moreso, whenever I see brothers and sisters in Christ who have been saved by faith, who choose to live a life of rule abiding, flesh righteousness.  It's like Paul says,

"There is only one thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law [10 commandments + the remaining 603 laws], or by hearing with faith?  Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh [a common synonym for law]? --Galatians 3:2-3, brackets mine.

Paul is asking, "If we are saved by faith in Christ for justification salvation (go to heaven when you die), how can we possibly receive sanctification salvation (pratical deliverance from sin and life's junk) by relying on ourselves, which is the essence of following the Law and any other 'rule principle?' The answer," Pauls says, " is that we can't.  Living a holy life is all about your relationship with Dad, which can only be fully realized through complete dependence on Jesus." 

Our complete dependence on Jesus looks kinda like this:

1.  I have a problem/confronted with temptation to sin.
2.  I know I need (self-control, joy, peace, etc.) to over come this temptation so as not to fall into sin. 
3. Jesus, instead of following any rules I completely trust you to be my (self-control, joy, peace, etc.).  
4. Experience the abundant life, the "easy yoke," the "light burden" of Jesus!

Let me ask you friend, do you feel the pressures of this life weighing on you?  Do you feel jipped as a Christian, like this life isn't any easier now the Jesus is in the picture?  If so, then please consider this idea.  Jesus guarantees us a joyful and easy life in Him.  Although we face all of the normal 'junk' in our lives, we rejoice in it, knowing that abiding in Jesus during that trial will draw us even closer, make our friendship with Dad even more indecsribable. 

Here's an example you might be able to relate to: Ever gone through a horrible and traumatic event?  Perhaps someone you love so dearly dies, or your life is torn apart as your most entrusted relationship not only fails, but betrays you.  Now, amidst all of the grief, think of the one person who has been there for you the most during this event.  I mean physical human being.  Can you remember their love?  Can you remember how they squeezed your hand, even embraced you as you wept?  Do you remember the intimatcy and closeness that you two had, how you knew that, despite everything falling apart around you, they were there to love you, and that was enough.....and that somehow, through this tragedy, your relationship grew ever deeper?

Do you see the connection?

Dear reader, I love you, but please know that keeping rules for yourself in order to live a righteous life only further seperates you from a warm and rich relationship with Dad.  I know, I've been there.  I've seen both sides of the fence.  Please, I beg you, do not neglect your friendship to the point where only a tragedy will get you running to Dad.  Run yourself.  Run to Him.  Run because in Him, you will find yourself.