In the last two days, I have both listened to a sermon and then later read an article in the McKinsey online magazine on the topic of: “surviving or thriving”. I found it a creative way to describe the dilemma, difficulty or struggle in which we find ourselves as we move from 2020 to 2021.
I tried to envision where I would place myself on that spectrum of “surviving or thriving” over the past few months. Where have I lived more out of a surviving attitude than from a thriving stance?
Now, our fight is not just with pandemics, but with the ongoing struggle of sin – within our hearts and in this world. And I had to ask myself the same question, just in other words: where have I lived my life and ministry out of a surviving attitude the past few months, rather than out a thriving relationship with my Lord? It’s the kind of question I know I should ask myself as I reflect on the past year and look to the year ahead.
This is where John Newton (yes, the John Newton who wrote Amazing Grace), in one of his pastoral letters, was a great help in seeking an answer.
“As to the remedy, neither our state nor his honour are affected by the workings of indwelling sin, in the hearts of those whom he has taught to wrestle, strive, and mourn, on account of what we feel. Though sin wars, it shall not reign; and though it breaks our peace, it cannot separate from his love. Nor is it inconsistent with his holiness and perfection, to manifest his favour to such poor defiled creatures, or to admit them to communion with himself; for they are not considered in themselves, but as one with Jesus, with whom they have fled for refuge, and by whom they live a life of faith.
They are accepted in the Beloved, and have an Advocate with the Father, who once made an atonement for their sins, and ever lives to make intercession for their persons. Though they cannot fulfil the law, he has fulfilled it for them; though the obedience of the members is defiled and imperfect, the obedience of the Head is spotless and complete; and though there is much evil in them, there is something good, the fruit of his own gracious Spirit. They act from a principle of love, they aim at no less than his glory, and their habitual desires are supremely fixed upon himself.”
If I were to summarize Newton’s words, I would simply write: all we need to thrive is Jesus!
As we start a “new year” together, with all the complexities and difficulties of life and ministry in the midst of a pandemic, could we build one another up each day by the reminder that “we are accepted in the Beloved, and have an Advocate with the Father”? Could we live and minister by faith, believing He will do great things in our hearts and through our lives? May we “aim at no less than his glory” as we serve Him together as a global community of co-laborers in the Gospel.
Filed under: Jesus Christ, Reflection, Repentance & faith |
Thoughts Along The Journey 
In 2007 at the World Team Europe Conference in Malaga Spain we received a 5x7cm pink laminated card with these words, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” For several years that little card sat on my night table and was there to comfort me each evening and greet me each morning. Thriving is knowing the only thing I need is Jesus. Thriving is not for my world to be picture perfect. Thanks to Jem Sewell for that pink card and his own life which reminded us how to thrive.
Yes, those little tangible reminders are so important! Thanks for sharing how that tangible reminder has helped you.
Wonder of Wonders… We are loved. Jesus loves me this I know. Our beginning and our bedrock in these times if tossing waves, and hard challenges. Thank you for your reminder of this today:)
There is a great quote in Dynamics of Spiritual Life by Richard Lovelace about the need for a daily and thorough going preaching of the cross of Christ to our hearts — the ultimate demonstration of His love for us.
Sin Jesús no podemos hacer absolutamente nada.