A barbecue I recently purchased came with a set of directions for assembly. It also included a “quick start assembly guide.” What nonsense. I’ve always avoided following directions so I certainly was not about to rely upon some watered-down version!
OK I admit it—even while still latching on to some manly pride—I don’t take instruction well. Given the starting point of a new project, I’m off like a jackrabbit chasing a carrot, or one of those Greyhound racing dogs chasing the mechanical bunny that will never be caught. The goal is right there in front of me, and I just keep chasing. Bold, intent, but not too bright.
However, when it comes to my goal of becoming like Christ, I need all the instruction I can get. Without any reference to the tools available to get there, I will likely either pass out from exhaustion, or become content with a poor, incomplete, and inadequate outcome.
I’ve come to the determination that if I keep focused on the journey, God takes care of the result. Our journey is all about knowing Him better and learning to utilize the resources He’s provided. Resources like His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and godly men and women to redeem, shape, and refine our likeness to His. We may have the best of intentions but without these points of reference, anything we become will only be at best a fuzzy, if not contorted, reflection of who He desires us to be.
We can spend a lot of time and energy pretending to want to be like Christ. But the proof is found in our intent. Where do we spend our time? What do we allow to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and convictions? Where is our treasure?
Failing to use the barbecue assembly instructions will likely result in a few extra nuts and bolts, maybe a loose lid or some poorly cooked hot dogs. But failing to reference and use the tools God has provided for the journey of life will lead to frustration, exhaustion, misunderstanding, and hopelessness.
So, stop recklessly chasing what you cannot catch. Commit to the journey.
Just a thought…
