It was a really good conversation which as ever was based on a really good question.
“What are you going to do now?”
The question was coming from a great place, because it came from those who had a great deal of love and respect. It was not to gain ammunition for gossip. It was not for idle chatter. It was not to pass the time. It was not even about being courteous. It was from a heart that was looking for explanations and clarity as they offered support for whatever was going to be said.
What followed was that really good conversation.
The journey had been one that started when he was taken from his own people to become a part of the ruling establishment. He was adopted by the elite and conditioned in their ways, but for all of that he never forgot where he was coming from. It was in that position that he thought he could make a difference when he saw injustice. Despite his efforts, though, it was clear that he could not make a difference in the shape he was in.
He went away, and not only was he away from not just his own people but now he was away from everything he knew. Now were years where he was being shaped by the new environment. He never forgot where he was coming from, but the longer he was in the new place, the further away it appeared.
By the time he was challenged to return to the old place it was clear he was in a completely different shape than he had been in the formative years. It was in this shape that he was able to deal with people rejecting him – because he was shaped for that. It was in this shape that he was able to persist in challenging the authority – because he was shaped for that. It was in this shape that he was able to guide and steer, shape and nurture others on a trip beyond what they knew to what there was to be – because he was shaped for that.
It was not for everyone to necessarily go through those shaping experiences, everyone would have their own. If we are, however, to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and if we were to be transformed by mind renewal, there would certainly be something in the way of being shaped in what we do for what we are about to do.
When we left that conversation, it was really sobering to reflect on my life and the lives of those I love and care for. Reflecting on those lives to see what shape we’re in.
Ever seeking to be in shape for whatever God is about to bring our way.
(Photo by Jordie Poncy on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 