Open Letter

I wrote this letter to my Sunday Morning Bible Study class. The thoughts in it had been on my heat and mind all week. I post this to challenge myself again, and anyone else who cares to read.

Dear ones,

I want to read you this letter, because I want to choose my words carefully. Today is where the “fun” part of the study ends. Ephesians 1-3 are theologically rich, revealing to us who god is and who we are in Christ: what is/has been done in our inner man. Chapters 4-6 deal with what our lives must be like because of the theology previously revealed.

I warn you. As we face these next chapters you have 2 choices. Mind you – these are not one time choices. These are choices we make every day. This isn’t just a one-time moment of placing a stick on the altar (though that is an excellent outward expression of an inward commitment); this is a moment-by-moment day by day choice. But it is one I also challenge you to make today – and keep making every day.

OPTION 1: Allow God to transform you, remember that He has already given us every spiritual blessing in Christ (1:3), we are alive in Christ, and not dead (2:1-5), and He is able “to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (3:20). We do not transform ourselves – though we may try. I cannot explain how this works – that is part of the mystery of God – how He transforms us, but He can and will do it. Now, if this is the option you want to choose I warn you: This option is not “safe,” or comfortable – it is TERRIFYING and exhausting. God will ask of you more then YOU can give, so that you can walk in His power and know His strength. You will have to lay things down that are precious to you and shed thought patterns and activities which you hold close to your heart. You will have to take up things you’ve never wanted to do, trusting that He will give you the desire for them and change your heart. But I promise you: This is the path to the greatest joy and beauty. Those things we hold on to do not bring us happiness – they distract us from knowing God. God wants us to have the greatest possible happiness that comes from knowing and serving Him in every area of our lives. Yes, it can be terrifying and exhausting – but IT IS WORTH IT!

OPTION 2: Walk away. We don’t have to be changed, we don’t have to grow, we don’t’ have to let go, we don’t have to do anything. We can continue to allow distractions to rule our lives, and continue living in the flesh, we can continue with the same’ol, same’ol comfortable life we’ve always had. We have the option of either jumping off the cliff, or refusing. I am afraid some of us are going to choose this option, maybe not today – but tomorrow or the next day we’ll land on this choice. Still coming to church, still doing the “good Christians things” (church, small groups, choir, devotions, missions trips, teaching Sunday school, BSF, nursery, etc) – but internally we walk away. A choice not to embrace is to reject. Jesus does not give half way points. I warn you: This option may seem safe, and comfortable, but you are trusting in the cliff which could crumble benieght your feet. And God at times (though He does not always) will rip away what you are trusting in so that you have to depend on Him. And it is much less painful to give it up freely. I promise you: This option may not be an un-happy option, but you are missing out. You are as C.S. Lewis said (and I slaughter this quote), “Content to make mud pies in the slums of London, because you cannot imagine what it would be like to take a vacation at the sea.” If you hold on to earthly pleasures – earthly pleasures you will get. Earthly water runs dry – Seek heavenly water (John 4).

My challenge is this:

OPTION 2: If you find yourself here – pray that the Lord will change your heart and mind. I know, though experience, what it is like to walk away from the cliff and say, “Not now Lord, I am not ready.” I know what it is like to live on the edge and never jump because I like solid ground too much. And I do think sometimes (often) the choice to jump isn’t really voluntary, the cliff starts crumbling and we decide it really is safer just to trust God.

I almost hesitate to say this, because I know and love you all, but some of us MAY, I repeat, MAY be caught in option 2 because we do not have the Holy Spirit. We do not have the spiritual blessings. We are spiritually dead. We can’t jump, because we’re a corpse laying on the ground. Many people go to church their whole lives, without ever knowing God. I say this not to have you doubt your salvation – but to open a door for the Spirit to prick any heart in which He does not reside.

OPTION 1: Fling yourself off the cliff with abandon. The scripture doesn’t say, “Don’t live in fear.” It says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4).” Trust me, You’re afraid, I’m afraid. I have NO idea what God is gonna ask of me. But I choose to trust that He is good and kind and if He breaks my heart (which I need), He has the power to heal it. When God heals us – are stronger than when we were before.

I know there will be varied reactions to this letter and to the word as it is taught and later preached today. If any of you need to talk, I am available – Grab me, I will make time to sit down, and hammer this issues out with you.