Frainkly, I have had trouble getting the creative juices flowing over the past week. Yet I feel the need to check in and say something to my friends and readers. Seems that I just finished materials for the Leon, Mexico trip. Now I am feeling the presssure to finish my presentation for the Pan-American Lectureship in Quito, Ecuador since we leave in a couple of days. Along the way, I am keeping up with the normal teaching and preaching schedule, and thinking about the broad outlines of a Strategic Planning Initiative for a mission effort in which I am involved.
I am more convinced than ever that we (whosoever will) must call the people of God to resurrected, transformed living in this world as a foretaste of the resurrection and transformation we anticipate. The challenge of Christianity is not found rules-keeping. I fail when I measure any aspect of my Christ-relationship by mere actions and do’s and don’t’s. The challenge of Christianity is new creation in Christ, putting the old behind, experiencing “resurrection” here as promise of future resurrection. To conform to the image of Christ is no small task, yet it is the essence of our commitment.
If it ever dawns on the people of God that the simplicity of Christianity is in resurrected and transformed living, our lives will be so changed that those around us will wonder what has happened to us. Talk about simplifying Christianity! My hope is in Christ, for the resurrected, transformed life I seek is possible only with his presence and power.
A lady who visited our services last Sunday came by my office today. She spoke of the power she felt as we worshiped. If we are one of the best-kept secrets in our city–that is, the power of worship and adoration, submission, confession, and recommitment–I hope we will do all we can to make the secret known and to share the power of a people who bow before the throne of God and his Son solely out of adoration and desire to imitate.
Jesus’ resurrection is the first-fruits and promise of our resurrection. We used to sing, “O to be like thee, Blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer.” The song has gone out of style, but the sentiment is eternal. Longing and praying for Christlikeness in my life, I remain a struggling disciple, seeking a life that reflects resurrection power and transformational hope.