” 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4:14-16 (Emphasis Mine)
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4
Warning: Personal Failings Ahead!
I am taking classes at McMurry and had a paper due yesterday. It didn’t happen. I worked on it A LOT this weekend, but never could get it done. This has been on ongoing problem for the last several semesters. I’ve just not been able to turn in papers in college. I have a huge writing block and can’t get over it. Well, today I told my professor that once again I would be turning my paper in late. I am used to frustration and even disappointment, but I was not ready for what he had to say to me today. “Aren’t you planning on going to seminary?” Nod. “This just won’t be acceptable in seminary. You need to get this figured out or choose a different path.”
What! Are you kidding me? You can’t talk to me that way. I have issues. Real issues that keep me from turning in papers.
. . . and then it hit me. He cared about my future. It would have been easy to just say, it’s ok. Just continue to live in your state of unwell and never rise above your current condition, but he didn’t. He challenged me to fix it or find another path. The road of denial leads to sadness and broken dreams.
I got past my pride and began to research what might be going on. After all, if I was the only person and this wasn’t going to get better, I’d better find a different road. BUT, if there were other people out there and they knew how to cope, then I could be better than I am today. I did a lot of research and found that my symptoms look like adult ADD. At the very least, there were some techniques to make things happen. At best there are medical treatments.
I don’t say these things to just pour out my soul (well not the only reason) but to say thank God I had a friend/professor brave enough to speak the truth in love. Now I might find some wholeness in a part of my life I have been ashamed of for years.
While we are on a Lauren Winner kick, she spoke in a podcast that I heard today about a fuller understanding of the body of Christ. When we choose to become a part of the body of Christ, you give up certain rights. Rights to privacy, self-service, and pride. Paul talks about how silly it would be if a body part told another that it knew best. O foot, you are so lowly always coming in contact with the ground. I the hand can do all things. You have no right to question what I am grabbing. Why did you think it was OK to move me from the hot stove. I have every right and privilege to touch hot pots if I choose. You are not the boss of me!!
Now if I were reading this, I would likely jump to the point to say that, yes, I will speak the truth in love. While it is important to speak the truth in love, it is even more important to HEAR the truth in love. Sometimes it hurts, it often is embarrassing, but it is useful for living a Christian life.
So, stop making excuses and look for the love in the truth. If it is there, you should re-examine your actions.
Memorization (Day 2): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Challenge: Find a trustworthy friend and ask them about something that’s troubling you. Have a real conversation about it and then pray for guidance.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the Body of Christ. Amen
