Rhythm

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. -- Jesus (Matt 11.28 MSG)

What does it look like to be tuned to the rhythm of God's grace? Jesus asks if I am tired or burned out on religion? He then says, "Come to me." I can embrace an invitation like that because I am tired... at times I am exhausted. I know... I mean I really know that I cannot live out this whole thing called the faith without Him. It really exhausts me to try. I loved it yesterday as we watched the "Rhythm" video and heard Rob Bell share a few thoughts about being in rhythm with God. It's such a beautiful image to consider myself joining with and even playing my own unique rift in this amazing song of heaven. This song that God has been playing for a long time.... it seems that the song has and will play forever.

You know, I was thinking about the song... about the intrumentalists.... about the skill level... about the nuance of the song.... about what it might look like to be an 'instrument of grace' in the hand of God. Having dabbled with playing the guitar and having played the sax for quite a few years, I recognize that I don't just pick up my guitar and immediately begin strumming with a level of excellence. It seems to me that being attuned to the song of God, there is the divine reality and the human responsibility. There is a process in my becoming a part of the song... of becoming all that God created me to be.

This thought is the human side of divine change. Transformation is both the miracle of God and the stewardship of man. Becoming like Christ... His character... His passion... His truth.... His compassion... it's the result of divine activity and human action. There is miracle... Wow, is there ever miracle and there is also responsibility. I really have to ask if I expect to change. Do I expect to watch as the character of Christ explodes into my life. In fact, I have to take that a step further and live totally committed to change. (Phil 3.15 MSG). It is my responsibility to posture my life in that manner. It is our responsibility to leave God all the margins He needs to teach us about Himself, His purposes, and His ways.... to teach us His song.

You know, If I don't achieve my God-given potential, it's not just a bad thing... not just a bit of a letdown. Jesus tells this challenging story in Matt 25. He says to each of us, I have given you gifts. Now, what will you do with them? If I don't tap into and live abandoned to my divine potential, Jesus has pretty strong feelings about that reality. He calls that action 'wicked'... an abomination. He thinks that is a pretty serious deal. The servant in this story was declared wicked when what he could have done was measured against what he did. When we neglect our God-given capacity and refuse to maximize our potential, it is detestable in the sight of God.

Yikes! So, I think I have to ask if I expect to change.... maybe even deeper than that, am I totally committed to allowing the character, person, and passion of Christ to become my life... my essence. I want to become like Christ. I want to love... to live with compassion.... generosity.... truth..... I want to move in the rhythm of His grace. I want to know Him! That will involve my daily decisions and choices and how I posture my life.

In a nutshell, it seems that God thinks that my life... our lives... they are instruments of grace. He actually thinks that our lives are intended to be lived in rhythm with His grace. He even thinks that the rhythm is unforced and learned from Him. Hmmmmm...... perhaps the choice that I make in this process of change is the choice to know Him. .... not about Him... not another story.... but Him. Jesus says, 'walk with me and work with me -- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.' I want to..... I think I will. I want to change. I want to be totally committed to change.

Add to the commentary by clicking on comments below. Let's 'change' together.... the song sounds amazing!

Mark