You’ve probably heard the saying, “Youth is wasted on the young.” My Dad loved that quote and now that I’m not exactly in the young category, I can appreciate it more. I thought of it today as I contemplated some of the powerful shifts in thinking I’ve experienced in recent years. I’m talking life changing stuff.
A tiny example is reflected by a conversation with a friend a few months back. He asked me how long it had been since I had a glass of wine. Sharing an appreciation for full bodied reds he seemed genuinely bowled over when I told him it had been years. “Wow. What incredible will power” he said as he shook his head. ” I could never do that.” “It has nothing to do with will power” I replied. “It’s surrender.” His eyes widened as he considered the concept. “I’m going to remember that the next time I’m struggling with something” he said still shaking his head. “Hmmm….surrender.” “Yes, but it’s who you’re surrendering to…” I reminded him with a smile.
Powerful truths that have had such an impact on my life. I can’t imagine the grief and anguish I could have spared myself, and others had I lived them out years ago. Examining the life of Christ, these truths were not only taught by Him, but fully embodied in his every action. You want to lead? Become a servant. You want abundance in your life? Give generously. Authority? Submit to those figures in your own life. So contrary to our natural ambitions, so unappealing to our human nature.
I have however since learned the unflinching joy that resides with one living in “the sweet spot.” The incredible sense of ease and undeniable state of well being that comes with knowing you’ve got this one covered, or more precisely someone a lot bigger and stronger than you, has it covered for you and totally has your back.
The serenity that comes with discovering humility invites honor, weakness is an invitation for strength, and the peace of God within rules with impenetrable dominion can not be over stated. Who could have guessed at this stage of the game a whole new set of rules have come into play? When I catch my heart seeking recognition, I now choose to praise another. When I feel taken advantage of or disrespected, I carefully weigh my response; for Grace is mine to give and multiplied back in spades when I do. Talk about a win/win.
If I were to be entirely honest, I’m riding on someone elses coat tails. I am not the one that facilitated this exchange, yet I reap its rewards. An entirely inequitable agreement, or covenant if you will that was made on my behalf and one I so gratefully yet unabashedly enjoy the benefits of. Excising the ultimate height, depth, length and breadth this gift was given, though hardly received, when the Great Shephard was slaughtered as a lamb. When the King of Creation died as a criminal. When the author of life breathed his last breath, gave up the ghost and said, “It is finished.” So at this later stage of the game, I am finally getting it and have begun to partake of this divine inheritance.
2 Cor. 8:9 states, ” For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” I’m not sure the word “rich” adequately portrays the magnitude of a soul sickened, diseased criminal receiving his pardon. Then in addition, receiving a miraculous touch of healing, joy, favor and every manner of blessing and prosperity. However, if that is how the Lord defines being rich, then yes, I am very, very rich indeed.