What we have is not what we need, no matter how appealing the marketing has become.
We can try to fit into what is, and find our place, but that will cost us the real fit and actual contribution that Jesus offers us. What is all around us, making its pitch for “membership”, is a religious framework, a construct of men. Taking the bait, we are being beguiled, robbed really, of the higher and better. It has to do with our perspective, our worldview, and the low and beggarly appeals that seek to distract us and prevent our farther entry into Christ. Now, we cannot escape the context we are in, but we can transcend it. This is why Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble, but cheer up, I have overcome the world.” Veiled In this elaboration, like a hidden treasure, is His invitation to you to overcome the world, with Him. Jesus was in this world, but not of it. That is our birthright in Him. Let’s walk in it.
When our perspective has its foundation in the One who is high and lifted up, the Most High, we are off to a good start, and a starting point to fill in the rest of the blanks. When ultimate reality for us begins with Him who is seated on the throne – the Most High God, and His taking increasing residence on the throne of our hearts, only then are we in a place to see things as they are, not as they appear. We are waking up to reality.
In the midst of getting your courage up, be careful not to be misled. We are not fighting what is, just as our struggle is not with flesh and blood. To waste ourselves in the stubborn determination to tear down what men have made is a long road into meaninglessness and shipwreck of faith, and countless numbers have lost their vessels on its jagged shoreline. Let’s don’t be led astray by our desire to “set things right” from a human point of view. Many, if not most, injustices await the resurrection of the just.
One primary peril of the outsider is that they can be tricked into trying to recreate a new context where they can be an insider. History bears keen witness.
All the while, we are not of this world.
