Making Waves

It bothers me.

I reckon some of the things that bother me are the spring board to do something about it. Almost like a godly pest that won’t budge until I budge to address the matter. Not that I will make all the difference, or by my efforts things will change.

More about working with God to witness Him do amazing things in the lives of those who can benefit when we recognise and address what’s important to Him.

On this occasion, I was bothered again by a strange issue regarding growing in knowing Jesus. I accept that reading isn’t everyone’s favourite way of taking on, retaining and applying information. That’s no bad thing. The diverse ways in which we learn are admirable and should be utilised more so that we appreciate the fact that knowing God is not an academic pursuit. Indeed sometimes when we make it just about reading and answering questions, we miss so much about who God is.

What bothers me, though, is how cheaply we can pursue Jesus. He has poured into us His love and His Spirit. We have all we need to progress in following Jesus, within us individually and collectively there immeasurable spiritual riches expressing the glory of our beautiful Saviour. But the desire to tap into those depths and riches seems pretty lacklustre. It’s as though some of us are content with what we heard in a sermon to last us the week. Some are satisfied with the old sayings their Gran used to tell them. Enough to know some basics but not much beyond that.  It’s as if we’re too satisfied with the little we know not realising there’s so much more we need to know.

Unsurprisingly, with the lack of appetite in that area other things compete to capture our attention. Maybe it’s a leisure activity, maybe it’s the quest for success. Perhaps it’s just to live a quiet life with the mod cons in place and ticking over nicely as the children grow up. Some have the considerable challenge of overcoming addictions. Whatever the issue, rather than nurturing a passionate hunger for Christ in all aspects of life, there’s an inclination to put Him in His box and wheel Him out once a week as well as in emergencies. That, however, is not what Jesus called for.

I recognise only too well the tendency to allow other things to cloud the view of the greatest treasure. I also recognise the effect it has on me. Sure I can still function and be competent, but it’s nowhere near what it’s like when my desire for Christ outweighs all other considerations. So it really bothers me seeing individuals and gatherings appear content with that surface approach.

But what can I do? I have my flaws. I can’t reach everyone at the same time. My impact might be blighted because of other factors. Conditioning plays it’s part too. Maybe I am deluding myself to even think I can do much at all.

Yet if only what I do for Christ will last, maybe it is still worth looking to Him to live that life ever hunger in, ever longing and ever finding fulfilment in knowing Jesus. Knowing Him through His Word. Knowing Him through His Spirit. Knowing Him in experience. Knowing Him in reflection. Knowing Him alone. Knowing Him through others.

Perhaps by living that kinda life, I can consistently be making waves that will play its part in eroding any apathy or neglect among my brothers and sisters. As their passionate pursuit of Christ will likewise address any lack in me.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden