A Resilient Life

Today I read Gordon MacDonald's book The Resilient Life*.  Recommended to me by a former professor, Dr. Larry Fine, it was a great read that challenged me in many areas today.  While it was a quick and easy read, the impact of the words that passed through my heart as I read was profound.

 

One particular thought came to me as I was reading in the very first chapter.  MacDonald quotes 1 Timothy 4:12-16 and then comments:

 

Paul is challenging Timothy to scour his life, to place it -- as it were -- under a microscope and assure that every part of it is operating according to the highest of Christian standards.  "Set an example" for people, he urges Timothy.  In other words, live in such a way that people want to follow you.  The literal rendering of Paul's words are, "Stamp yourself on people's lives."  Paul's notion of Timothy's influence is broad sweeping: in speech (the things you say and the way you say them), in life (the qualities of your living routines), in love (the characteristics of your personal relationships), in faith (the way you love God), and in purity (your moral life).  In all of these ways, Timothy's life is to be a canvas upon which the Christlike life is painted and which people can study (16, 17). 

 

A month or two ago, I asked this question in one of my messages: Do we live like we actually believe that Jesus Christ is present and watching?  As I thought about that question today in light of what I read, I was reminded how important Paul's words to Timothy really are...SET AN EXAMPLE...live in such a manner that as Christ observes and the world watches, you make a difference through the way in which you live your life.

 

Often we read these verses from 1 Timothy to the youth of the church.  We get caught up in that part that says, don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, yet the reality is, in the face of eternity, these words are timeless and applicable to all of us.  What about our speech, our lives, the way we love, our faith, and our commitment to purity and living the holy life is lacking -- or is in need of repair?  What in us, in you -- in me, needs to be changed that Christ might be seen? 

 

In my journey these days, I am spending lots of time thinking through what it means to stand "clean before my Lord" as an old youth choir number I sang once upon a time really means.  I am asking the Lord to search me.  But more than asking Him to search me, I am asking Him to point out the places where I need to change, and then proceed through the power of the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and change to my life -- now!  I am not willing to think about it.  I am no longer willing to consider what the options may be.  If He sees a need or a deficit in my character, I want to change now!  I want to reflect Him and nothing else in every area and arena of my life.

 

I have entered into a time of renewal -- of self mastery in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  I want to truly be able to say with Paul, Christ, not I lives in me.  And on this journey I am finding one certain thing -- through my act of intention God has come incredibly near and is doing the one thing I need most -- bring my whole being into conformity to His will in the power of the Holy Spirit.  I can only respond by saying His grace truly is sufficient for me!

 

My prayer is that what God is doing in my heart will spread.  I pray that I can return home from this sabbatical and bring with me what Jim Cymbala called a fresh wind, fresh fire.  May God grant the desire of my heart, and may He find me faithful!

 

 

 

*Gordon MacDonald, The Resilient Life (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004)