In HOPE

 

 

 

  In HOPE 10.22

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David Timms  

 

 

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Scripture

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me."
(Galatians 2:20)


Prayer for Today

Father, I keep wanting to be CEO of my own life. You know -- and I know -- how poorly that goes. In this prayer I resign and invite You to take charge. Grant me the faith (the trust) to let You call the shots and to obey the shots You call. Amen.

To Read

Robert Boyd Munger's classic little booklet (available free online) My Heart, Christ's Home has challenged many readers on this theme of submission and surrender. If you've not seen it, you'd be blessed to download it and take a look.

 

www.growingdeeper.com

 

 

 

“Allow Christ to rescue you, as he did Paul, from the war within.
Resolve not to resolve, but instead, resign.
Let Christ have control of the struggle within.”
Devotional Classics, 60.

My Resignation

Most of us who have been in the workplace for any period of time have considered resignation. The factors that lead to that decision vary greatly; intolerable work conditions, overbearing supervisors, poor pay, unrealistic demands, deteriorating health, or other issues.

We may show teeth-clenching determination and considerable resilience for a long time. We are well-practiced in persistence. But when the circumstances reach a certain threshold we pull the trigger. The dam bursts.

Some folk describe success as 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. But when that 1% evaporates, our enthusiasm withers quickly. We resign.

I'm at the same place and perhaps you are, too -- not with my workplace but with my spiritual life. It's not that I want to resign from my faith but I must resign to grow in my faith.

Surely the harder we try, the better we’ll be. But not so. In fact, in a strange twist, we find that the core of spiritual deliverance lies not in seizing the day but releasing it; not in driving harder but taking our foot off the pedal. Authentic transformation—no longer slaves to sin—is not what we do but what the Spirit does within us. (Romans 12:1-2) We may reform our behavior but meaningful change of character emerges from our death to self not our grip on self.

The term “resign” may sound too drastic to some ears and too passive to others. It smacks of either impulsiveness or apathy. But the godliest men and women throughout Christian history all testify that life comes out of death not exertion; that the pathway to freedom comes from following not leading.

Our “take charge” attitude—can do, will do, just do it—feeds our sinful nature. Salvation is not marked by renewed resolve on our part but by complete resignation; surrender. The control that we cling to hinders the work of Christ within us.

We don’t rise above the battle with sin by focusing on it. We don’t rise above temptation by sheer will-power. Freedom comes as we look beyond ourselves, to Him. The struggles that torment and disappoint us do not reflect our weakness of resolve but our distraction from Him.

Clenched fists avail far less than surrendered spirits—always. Perhaps more of us should hand in our "resignation letters" and look to a new Boss. 

In HOPE –

David

 

 

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I'm always happy to explore these issues further.

You can find back issues of "In HOPE" (2005-2010) at http://www.hiu.edu/inhope/ .

David Timms serves in the Graduate Ministry Department at Hope International University in Fullerton, California. "In HOPE", however, is not an official publication of the University and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Administrators or Board. "In HOPE" has been a regular e-publication since January, 2001.