Hey folks,
It’s been a while since I’ve published anything here at Perry’s Ponderings. Times have been busy for me, that’s for sure. But I want to take another stab at writing consistently, and really, really, really hope and believe that this go around I will have the time to write more about the things I want to write about. So, stay tuned … and pray for me! Thanks for reading. Here’s something I’ve been working on.
In Mark’s gospel, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which grows to be quite large, into something magnificent (Mark 4:26-34). The kingdom of God in our own life grows into something impressive, working within us from the inside out. Mark uses farming language and imagery, with seeds and plants, and so on, to plant within (yes, pun intended) his readers a new creation imagination, and to highlight the pace in which the work of new creation takes place. Just like a seed growing into a mighty tree, it takes time.
The work of new creation appears to be slow going in this lifetime, but will eventually produce amazing results. The work of God in my life, in making me a new person, with new desires and good works taking place may look small, but in reality it’s not. The life of Christ, in other words, bubbling up inside of us is not insignificant. The life we live with Christ, as he works inside of us is not insignificant. I don’t think we can really know the change that has happened in each of us.
But still, “behold a new creation”!?! (2 Cor. 5:17).
Where?
What?
In me?
Looking in the mirror I don’t look any different. I don’t feel any different. Jesus lives in me? Jesus is changing me from the inside out? The kingdom of God is already at work within me???
The work of new creation appears to be slow going in this lifetime, but will eventually produce amazing results. The work of God in my life, in making me a new person, with new desires and good works taking place may look small, but in reality it’s not.
It’s funny that people ask me after I have been ordained if I “feel any different,” because my answer is usually, “no.” I wish it wasn’t my answer. I wish I could say, “Yes, I feel like a priest,” whatever it means to feel like a priest. I’m still a priest, whether I feel like one or not. And I am growing into what I already am.
“I’m not this,” “I’m not that, God wouldn’t want to have me in his family.” It doesn’t matter. Whoever is in Christ is a new creation—God does not show partiality or favoritism to anyone.
A number of years ago somebody told me that when they were confirmed they felt the presence of the Holy Spirit coming down upon them when the bishop laid his hands on them. That is beautiful, but it’s also not everybody’s experience. Not everybody has the “feeling” of the Holy Spirit coming down upon them. And that’s okay. Besides, the feelings go away, they ebb and flow. Some nights are spent wondering whether being a Christian is worth it, and other days are spent feeling close to God.
It’s not about the feelings. It’s not about the emotional highs.
It’s about trusting that God is at work in us, every day, because in Christ we are counted as a new creation.
Yes, even you!