Reminders

Birthdays... a day of celebrating a life. Perhaps a day for remembrance and reflection of years gone by. Today is such a day, as today Chris McKeighen would have turned 35. Another reminder of the tragedy of his passing. I'm sure as time goes on, plenty of other reminders are in store.

Even as I write this, the song I'm listening to offers two other reminders. I haven't listened to this band in awhile, but they're one of my favorites. But the band isn't around anymore, and there has been talk of infidelity, betrayal and a marriage failed. Rumors aside, I'm reminded of how sinful we are. We live in a broken world. Chris evidenced that. But as I listen to the words of this song, I'm also reminded that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." In the midst of our darkness, God speaks. He spoke across all of time and history in the person of Christ, and He speaks to us as we read His words in the Bible. So I'm reminded to listen.

I remember Chris today, and I think of all the people that are hurting... real, deep, soulful hurt. But by God's grace, He's willing and able to give us what we need instead of what we want (and what we deserve). As C.S. Lewis said, "we are like ignorant children who want to continue making mud pies in a slum because we cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a vacation at the sea." God offers something far greater--the message of redemption speaks to our truest need, and we may be surprised to discover once we taste and see that it gives answer for our deepest wanting as well.

Musings of a super-nothing

I could say or think that I aspire to be a "super-Christian" or a "super-servant"... but even in those desires exists the seed in my flesh to bear fruit of self-righteous accomplishment. As I reflect on the picture of a radical life lived for Christ--one that the world pities as a "throw-away life" (see 1 Corinthians 15:19) and one that is lived so fulfilled in Christ that the world's charm has been rendered almost ineffective--there still exists a thought of pride in attaining such a life. Beginning the statement with "I want to become..." is almost dangerously detouring when the end goal should be to glorify God by being fulfilled in Him. Maybe it's better to start with "I am nothing..." and so savor the joy of knowing Christ, because HE is my everything. It's the only place of true identity, and by His grace alone will my life reflect His holiness in external ways.