From the Theologically Fertile Mind of Joseph B. Ostrander
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. ~Proverbs 13:12
Continuing with the concepts Chris addressed during Sunday service, I would like to take one or two and run with it awhile in this blog post.
Hmmm…
New Year’s Resolutions: I like how Chris stressed the difference between attempting to accomplish them by sheer force of will, versus the more Zen-like element of simply ‘becoming’…
I know, I know, sounds too much like Eastern mystical vagueness or New Age Pablum, doesn’t it. Well, saints, as with most every element of human existence removed from the Grand Designer’s intent and purpose, such concepts can be simply peddled as some other inferior light…
How do you respond to the idea that God delights in newness? God is in the business or newness, or restoration, or re-creation, or the holistic idea of rightness…God wants to put all things aright…
However, God doesn’t want to do so apart from relationship. God wants to manifest newness within the confines of a dynamic relationship with His creatures made in His image…
He wants us to get as much of a kick out of Him being in the Divine Restoration Business as He does. I picture the God of Restoration rolling up His sleeves, and whistling while He works, as He carefully makes renovations to the Imago Dei marred by our shame, self-preservation and fear. Like any skilled craftsman, I envision the Grand Craftsman approaching each individual as a very unique challenge requiring the use of every divine apparatus in His sufficient tool belt of righteousness…
He invites us to participate in this process of renewal, this process of becoming. Sometimes He delights in asking us to pick this or that tool out of His tool belt appropriate for the purpose. Sometimes He simply tells us to close our eyes, be very still, and allow Him to proceed with this or that phase of the renovation project without our interference or participation.
Chris shared this scripture with us: “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 1:6
Here is where my theological understanding of God’s working in us may not be the common viewpoint. I believe the current process of renewal at work in us was never meant to be completed, or perfected, in this life. Furthermore, I believe there will be no instantaneous transformation when we die. I believe I will be the same person I am at the point of spiritual maturity I have attained to in this life by the time I die. I will carry over to the other side the level of renewal God has been able to address with my cooperation and that will be how I will arrive in glory. The process of renewal, completion, transformation, etc. will then continue at a very enjoyable pace since there will be no hindrances to interfere with the process, and there will be an eternity to get it done. No rush. No deadlines. No pressure or expectations. No static level to arrive at. No comparisons. I do believe our experience of becoming all God intended us to be will be dynamic and continuous without end…and He will take great delight in that on-going process as much as we will…
Think about it…
Amen.
P.S. here's a wistful song that expresses a longing I can appreciate, even though it is not a Christian group that sings it. however, it captures a sense of yearning that I do believe God has instilled into all of us...