Walking with Curves in the Road

Over the years that I have been involved in ministry, two of the events that I have enjoyed the most are the Leadership Conference and the Senior Trip. God has been so good this year to allow me to participate in both events here at Emmanuel. While not necessarily the same as what I had done in the past, it sure has been a blessing to be involved in those events with the young people here at EBCA.

Meanwhile, I have the privilege of working (two jobs) while many in this region are without jobs. God continues to show that He is in control of everything. Truly, He is sovereign.

I am continuing to saunter through the book of Colossians. Colossians is, as I have stated before, probably my favorite book in the Bible, so I am really enjoying taking an extended time to read, study, and meditate on the book. Chapter 2, verse 6 has been a focal point for the past few weeks, especially the "so walk" statement. It is somewhat like the "act your age" command. If this is who you are, act like it. Perhaps at one time you were the recipient of the "what is your last name" speech. Others may be able to get away with _______, but no one by your name is going to do that. As Christians, we have a high standard of conduct to abide by. In this passage, Paul is telling us that if we are members of God's family, we are to live like we are members of God's family. That seems reasonable to me. Some of the issues addressed include:

1. Worldview, or personal philosophy
2. New life in Christ as we are forgiven of our sin
3. Pretense of rules-based religion
4. Need to focus on Christ
5. Put Off / Put On
6. Do all as to God
7. Relationships

Obviously, there is MUCH more in the passage, but these topics stand out as I read chapters 2 and 3. The entire Put Off / Put On section is worthy of lengthy meditation, especially as you reflect on the meaning of what Paul is saying. Often we read for the sake of reading, who cares about comprehension. When we really comprehend what is being said, it could and should radically change our lives.

Another idea that grabs my attention is the concept of spiritual pragmatism. Often we try to skip the steps that God has ordered as we try to reach a result without the necessary "trip." That is nothing more than "the end justifies the means"; we cannot bypass His principles as we walk through life. This leads back to the title for this entry. Sometimes we cannot see what God is trying to accomplish or where He is taking us, but we can know what He expects of us. His Word provides us with the "step-by-step directions" we need that allows us to reach His intended goal. We cannot take a bypass or a shortcut; we must live obediently day after day. Even in a world that demands to live apart from God, we can live Biblically as we seek to please Him. Those curves that we encounter are nothing more than opportunities to see our great God prove that He is in control of all things, even when have we no idea where we are. When we live according to the Word of God and seek His righteousness, He has promised to meet our every need. We can trust Him, even when there is a curve in the road.