Dear Reader,

I am reminded this morning about the importance of aligning our thoughts and goals with the One True Measure.

 My measure for travel, for example, is  everything in order that I possibly need. This can get obsessive for me. I

can get so caught up in my preparation, I don't enjoy the moments and I focus singularly on my task. In those moments my measure is fueled by, "prepare for the worst," which in turn, is fueled by "the fear of lack."

 Isn't this ridiculous? I have written and spoken to so many regarding these areas and the peace that comes with keeping

our focus on the One True Measure, that it should be a bit more automatic than it is in my own thinking. But I haven’t yet tackled this issue even after so many trips over the years. Now it is time…

For one thing, I must remind myself of what I know… God Loves me and has called me according to His purpose to complete the good works prepared in advance for me to do. All things work together for good. Isn’t this what His word says? This is a True Measure. So, to think that I may have lack or need to somehow “prepare for the worst” is focusing on my own ability, my own measure of experience and reasoning. Experience and reasoning are important, but alone, they don’t make a good measure. Yet, until I knew better, that was my default.

I know where these prepping thoughts stem from, and it isn’t from God. It isn’t from the rest I live in as promised in Hebrews or the Gospels, or anywhere in Scripture, for that matter. God continually cautioned the nation of Israel to not divide their focus and loyalties, and this was why. There is no rest there. There is no joy in living in those places, no peace (wholeness), no hope. In Him we have no lack. We are complete, we have no need when we trust the one who sees now from the end and the beginning.

 Am I helpless to deal with this default thinking because I'm just a "sinner saved by grace?"  Some would say yes, we must not “think more highly of ourselves than we ought.”

Hmmm…

Well the truth is, that understanding is possibly ignoring the other side of that coin. (Galatians 5:1) We are not to think too highly, yes, but we are also not to think too lowly and deny the work of Christ to perfect our faith. So, while the "sinner" cliche may have once been true, it is not an ongoing condition. Therefore we should not build our personal theologies around it in an effort to remain falsely humble, or at worst, embrace it as an excuse to remain in our sinful condition...

As for me, I am not now identifying as "sinner." I WAS a sinner who WAS saved by Grace and NOW in HIM I Have NO LACK, not an orphan without a Father to watch over me and provide what is needed (John 14).  I know who I am and in Whom I move and have my being. (Acts 17:28). For this I am eternally GRATEFUL and in this reality I am humbled (honest about myself to myself) by His great LOVE. I don't need to beat myself up with my past or present shortcomings to feel like a Christian. EEK! 

[Did we just hear an altar smash somewhere?]

 In Acts 17 Paul is on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece. It was dedicated space for altars of different kinds to all the gods

and the altar to the one Unknown God was just in case they missed one or maybe it was because they knew there was an important One they missed, but couldn't name. Either way, Paul is making known to them Who this "Unknown God" really is (Begin at verse 22 for your reference).

Altars: We build them everywhere to things which we devote all our time and attention. It can be a person or a project (as in my case) that we love and enjoy. It is usually done without our notice and over time. Suddenly we are bound and enslaved to that “thing” that seemed like such a good endeavor and worthwhile effort.

Anything that we consult before being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives, quickly becomes an idol and distraction…. Look closely, you may find some stones or flecks of gold and silver with which that altar was or is being constructed.

This morning, I felt the shift, physically felt the shift from kneeling at an altar I created to  the idol of preparation for “just in case.” My thoughts went from that place to remembering and refocusing on what is of the upmost importance. It felt like sitting down onto the most comfortable chair and finding rest from the weariness that my striving had produced. Striving was stealing my moments of peace (wholeness). And as the "drive to strive" melted away, I could clearly see the next steps ahead. The pain in my shoulder left as my focus shifted and the altar to “preparing for the worst" was smashed.

Dear Reader, may you this day experience the peace and joy of smashing altars to things God did not intend for you to carry or steward. May His wisdom be clear and concise as to what to steward and what to let go. May your hearts be strengthened in the knowledge that in Him you have no lack and all will be done according to the Grace He has given.

Grace and Peace,

Anne