Do you ever wonder why people stay where they're at? Why is it their life seems to stay the same and why is there very little interest in going beyond what they consider the status quo? I believe I'm getting a glimpse into why as I see what the cost is going to be for me personally to follow God in the way I feel called to and to be a part of a church that is interested and feels called to go beyond the status quo.
First some reasons why people stay the same. Frankly, because it's easier. It's predictable. You know what your routine is and you have something you're comfortable with. By and large you know what's coming, even though there will be small interruptions along the way. In addition, it doesn't take another part of you. Once you've achieved something you've already paid the price for it, but to continue to move forward would continue to cost you...you.
To go beyond is to want more. It is to follow God on a journey of deepening faith because you don't know where it will lead or what part of you it will take next. You aren't sure how you'll be reshaped, but you know you'll have to be in order for it to happen. I'm reminded of the language of Paul in Galatians 2 when he talks about being crucified with Christ. We no longer live, but Christ lives in us. We've been crucified with Him and now we live in this body by faith in the Son of God...who loves us and who likewise has given Himself for us. As we move beyond where we currently are and as we experience the pain of growth and of deepening faith we identify with Christ who underwent the same experience. I'm not sure I've thought of it until now, but as we move beyond the status quo into a foggier journey of deepening faith we somehow identify with Christ.
So is the journey easy, absolutely not. Is it even necessary...I don't believe so. We can follow Jesus with very little cost. But if we want to be a part of the mission of Jesus, to go beyond belief in him to participating in the Kingdom, it is then we identify with a crucified Christ and face the fact this is going to be a hard road, however profitable and worthwhile.
Be careful what you wish for.
