I suppose if a biography were written about your life, you would be the main character in the story, right? I mean, according to most all biographies written before, that would make sense. After all, it is YOUR life, right? Or is it?
In one sense, yes. You are the one making the decisions in your life: what goals and ambitions to pursue, who to pay attention to, where to invest your time, energy and talents. You are the one who works hard and saves or spends money. Who else has a say in all this?
The bible has something to say about this matter:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“You are not your own” is not a popular truth in a society that devalues all life not deemed ‘convenient’ or ‘desired.’ But it is the truth none the less. We can’t pick and choose the scripture we like. It all stands together, whether it is convenient for us or not.
A life surrendered to God belongs to God, wholly and holy, separated to Him. We are called to love the lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength. It doesn’t leave much left for doing just what we want, does it? We find ourselves choosing either one side of the fence or another. At some point we come to realize there is no riding the fence.
Jeremiah 10:23 puts it this way: “I know O lord that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”
When we ask Jesus to be the Lord and master of our life, we are surrendering our allegiance to Him alone. When we ask the Holy Spirit to direct our steps, we surrender our will to His, so that our paths may be made straight. We all know what happens when we try to direct our own lives!
But oh how subtle is the way of the mind and flesh, to slyly take over the reigns of decision-making, to try to steer the Spirit into going our way instead of the other way around. “Lord, take away this pain and suffering because you know I can serve you better when I am well.” “Lord bless me so others will see your favor on your faithful servant.” “Lord give me the desire of my heart, not yours, so that I can see your hand in my life.” Or even more subtle yet is to simply forget God’s presence in our lives except for brief interludes of prayer and worship.
Fullness in life is found when Christ lives fully in us.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Let His Story be the history of your life, beginning with today.