I think I've always been (for the most part) very logical and "lawyeristic," and for me, Jesus is the only way life makes sense. Through the lens of Christ, I am able to see the so-called wisdom of this world for what it truly is: foolishness. Its trinkets do not satisfy.
I used to not be able to wrap my mind around the idea that God's greatest passion is for His glory as it seemed selfish to me. But then I realized that "at the very moment God exalted someone or something else, He would no longer be the great God worthy of all glory in all the universe, which He is" (David Platt). And everybody exalts something or someone—and somehow we (usually) know that that thing shouldn't be ourself.
I used to get stuck on why The Way had to be through Jesus. Now, I can see that the answer to that question can be found in the question itself. For me personally, the underlying inquiry—the driver—was really, "Why can't I do it myself?" And there, we have a pride issue—the very thing that got Satan kicked out of Heaven.
Grace is a gift from God. Take it, man!
“I didn't grow up in the church (at least not at a place where I made my faith my own), went to a prestigious university which contributed to my inward arrogance, was part of a fraternity where I did some real stupid things, and made light—into games even—of things I'm now ashamed.
But shortly after college, God somehow landed me in the middle of nowhere, in the dead of winter, with nothing to turn to but Him. He gave me the grace to put my trust in Jesus, and everything's turned 180 since then (though obviously not without its [hurdles]). Finding God later in life, one understandably slingshots in spiritual growth as there (usually) is more maturity to work with. And that's what I did. Much had been forgiven, so much love was shown (Luke 7:47).
Even though I'm in a good place now, I've still caught myself plenty enough times to fully know that apart from God, I have no good thing in me (Psalm 16:2).” [Post from July 26, 2010]
I’m learning what it means to depend on His grace on a daily basis.
“Each day, I wake up. With air in my lungs. Through each night as I sleep (demonstrating all the more that it is through no power of my own), my heart beats. I have control over my fingers, hands, and feet to run, jump, and dance and experience Creation as I please (indeed I am grateful). I have eyes that perceive better than any camera all the beauty that is around me. And despite all the brokenness in this world, God is all the more worthy to be praised because through hope—through Christ—brokenness isn't where it all ends. Beyond life, He gives Life. Before I had it, I didn't know what Life was, let alone know that I was missing it (dead men don't know they're dead).
Very real to me is the distinct peace I've been given, in deep contrast to the darkness that was once my mind. Very real to me is freedom from the shame I no longer bear, as well as liberation from addiction. And now, even in affliction, I see His goodness in refining me for His glory.” [Post from October 11, 2010]
Ephesians 2:1-10
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