FIVE Essential ElemeNTS
Element 2: Understanding Whose Trip You're On?
The real world we live in pummels us every moment of every day with images, phrases, marketing and politics that tells us we are in control, our life is what we choose it to be, and that regardless of how we make our choices, it’s all cool, because it’s our life, after all. Not so, says our Creator. Not so at all.
Remember way back several thousand years ago when God created the perfect world for Adam? Perfect is the important point here. No tears, no pain, no disease or bankruptcy… no sin. Then Eve took that bite out of the Bartlett Pear (or was it an apple?), suggested that her mate Adam do the same, and literally all hell broke loose. In an instant, that perfect world was gone.
But because of His great love for us, God did not leave us on our own with our new partner Satan. Instead, he created a way to redeem us – purchase us – back to Him and His perfect world through the sacrifice of His only son.
The world we live in today is not at all like the world that God prepared for us, or has in store for us. Our existence on planet earth today and the trials and tribulations we face are a result of sin and its unimaginable power and incongruence with the holiness of God.
Welcome to your real life!Jesus is entirely forthcoming about what to expect in this real life. He tells us that in this world we will have struggles. But He also tells us in many places throughout scripture that He will never leave us, His love will never be broken and that we will one day be with Him in glory for all eternity.
Meanwhile, He – that is, the God of the universe – is working through all things to work His plan in our lives. And God’s plans will not be thwarted by any power.This is not your life. It is not your trip. Jesus paid for your sins once and for all and is right alongside you now giving you mercy, protection, support, guidance and everything you need to become sanctified – even in this chaotic, sinful earthly life. You were not meant for this world. You were meant for an eternal, glorified kingdom. Nothing that happens to you in this life will catch God off guard. You can’t surprise him.
He knew about your financial difficulties, upside down mortgage, rocky marriage, and every other life challenge you will ever face before you were even born. We are promised that everything works together for our good, as believers. And we are also promised that there will be various and substantial challenges, grief and trouble throughout our life on this earth.
So, before considering where to go and how to get there, the first order of business is to digest Jesus’ words as written by His apostle Matthew, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you, as well.”
Search the scriptures and ask the holy Spirit to guide you and you will be amazed at the energy God has invested in letting us know that He is in control, His will cannot be undone, and that your life (in all circumstances!) is so precious to Him that he sacrificed His only son on the cross and even made Jesus the embodiment of your sin, so that you could be reunited with your Maker for all time in a holy and sinless relationship.