It may seem obvious to you but the reason we have rules for operating motor vehicles is so everyone is on the same page while driving. Each state even has a Department of Motor Vehicles to oversee issuing motor vehicle titles, maintaining vehicle registration information and enforcing other statutes. Furthermore, there is another department we're all familiar, which is responsible for enforcing traffic laws. It wouldn't do if even 10% of drivers didn't know to drive on the right side of the road, stop at red lights, or to drive at or below safe speed limits. Can you imagine the mess it would make if we just left it up to the individual to drive any ole way?
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Prov. 14:12.
My home is dark at night. When I'm awakened for whatever reason, I'm able to walk through the house without aid of any light. I've walked the paths so many times it's become second nature to me. When I'm approaching my refrigerator or a door frame, it's almost as if I could see them, even though it's dark. As I approach them, I place my hand out at exactly the right place and exactly the right time. It's as if my eyes have those boundary markers burned in my mind. My only surprise would be if God or someone moved my refrigerator the night before. It takes illumination to see beyond what you're accustom to doing so that's why it's important to be contemplative about the message of Jesus Christ. If it's just a story we're telling, without changing us, then we may be walking these trails out of memory rather than His Light.
Have you ever been in a group, planning an activity, where everyone is spit-balling ideas? Someone, with great enthusiasm (or possibly frustration) adds this small qualifier to their statement, "That's what it's all about" (or “that's the point” or something similar)? They say what they're gonna say but in an effort to rally support, they add, "That's what it's all about". When we say "that's what it's all about" we often really mean "that's what it's all about according to the way I see it now". It's not a negative thing to acknowledge how you're seeing it, but when we project our illumination onto others, we've moved away from Love.
Human nature assumes it's right to apply the "Rules of the Road" strategy to every area of life, but if we did, we'd quickly discover why this can't be healthy. In life, there is always opportunity to learn and grow, so if we're always quick to say, "That's what it's all about" we won't move beyond the walls we're defining. Maybe you do know what it's all about; so what. If our relationships with God and each other used the "Rules of the Road" strategy we could hardly claim we loved each other. Love doesn't try to shove people in man-made systems.
"... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1,2
Maturing as a son of God is simply maturing in His Love, which is the spirit of what Paul is describing in Romans 12. By being willing participants, you'll find you are being formed in Christ's image, right in your unique self.
Another place we find these common phrases is in pulpits. You could be a great natural leader, able to get people to build anything for you, but if their hearts aren't being changed, what have you done? Kingdom leaders are looking at the inner man, not concentrating on what's seen, except to use as the example to reveal what's not seen. Since I was first baptized in His Spirit, it stood out to me, the early church in Acts had ALL THINGS in common. The "consequence" was their possessions but “the reason” was their hearts were individually turned toward God's.
"That's what it's all about". When talking about the “Rules of the Road” then it's simple to answer but when speaking of what you've got in mind when you're facing life, be aware of your inner posture, to see if you're navigating by memory or if the Light is on. You're safe with God but since He's everywhere then you're free to leave the comfort of your worn paths. The comfort of His presence is far more great anyway.
Having understanding is what I'm hoping to impart to you today but it begins with being teachable. If we always know everything we can't learn. Don't think I'm saying we shouldn't work off a premise. We must have a premise in order to operate, but when we approach God, allowing Him to change our premise, we are much more happy and less ridged toward others.
When we're in a conversation with others, perceiving our way of seeing things is the only way of seeing them, we've effectively told everyone else that they are wrong. Of course, you can't go around not believing what you're saying but you can go through life willing to learn. The next time you hear or wanna say, "That's what it's all about", consider what you're saying and don't try to make your perception the center of everyones universe. Seek God's perception and have fellowship with it. If you're experiencing frustration, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there's 100% chance your struggle is a result of trying to enter a room you're already in. Please re-read that... and rejoice! All the stress we put ourselves through makes us like a wind-up toy, constantly needing attention and being rewound.
Because both 'you' and 'the world' are the center of His attention, there is sufficient Grace to carry you. The more you become aware of the intimacy of Christ coming in your flesh, you'll discover you were already safely in the room with Him, seeing for yourself how you're known to God. The issue was never outside you, as if someone stole your wallet. It was always a matter of faith in Christ/Spirit. Therefore, growing in acceptance of this truth releases the benefits of His performance on the cross in and through you. His performance was either all sufficient or not, which should leave you with Faith, Hope and Love, so have Faith in His Love.
About Love, Love is one thing you can safely say, "That's what it's all about" or "That's the main point". You'll never go wrong with Love but don't assume you can't grow more in Love. Our reality should be God's Love and life in the larger possibility of God's perspective.
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