With summer here, I get an opportunity to catch up on some reading that I often neglect during the school year. It's a different pace of work. Right now I'm reading this book, Wisdom Chaser, by Nathan Foster (Richard Foster's son) and loving it. Well worth the read for anybody! Reading in the park today, this line popped into my head: "Don't aspire to live a great, impressive life. Labor to live a significant life." It brought my reading to a standstill - it's not a new idea for me but it went deeper this time.
I think that I (we) live in bondage to our accomplishments for the most part. It's how we define ourselves. It's amazing how subtly I can slip into a conversation my improved running times, my plans for a 220 mile hike this summer, that I bake a lot of my own bread, etc. I am very aware of my accomplishments. How do I overcome my bondage to accomplishments?
Working with college students, I see (and live) a constant invitation to define success through my list of accomplishments and greatness. In my relationships with these students, I feel so tempted to one-up them so I have some semblance of authority. I know - that's not where my authority comes from. It comes from Jesus. I know that, but do I live it? If I'm honest with myself, most days I don't. But that's not how Jesus invites me to live and I don't want students to live that either. I don't want them to learn that their influence comes from their accomplishments. I want them to know that everything they are comes from their relationship with Jesus. How can I teach that if I don't live it myself?
I think this is part of Jesus' response to our bondage to an achievement driven lifestyle:
Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for the will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for the will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad!
Simple thoughts for a beautiful summer day. I hope it continues to go deeper in my heart.
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