In my observance of human nature, rare is the occurrence
that individuals will transcend what is safe and comfortable. Of course, I do realize that there are those
who love adventure, risk taking and change. But in my 40ish trips around the
sun, I’ve noticed the majority of us love what we know.
We embrace that which is safe and like us. We surround
ourselves with people who love us and make us feel loved. We take jobs where our skill sets are valued and appreciated. We send our kids to schools where their needs
are met. We build lives of safety and security in neighborhoods where we feel
like we fit in.
But Jesus both taught and modeled a life of transcendence.
He instructed us to live a life beyond the limits of our experience while
showing us how by loving those who were different. When he encountered the
Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, Jesus crossed cultural and social
barriers in ways that cost him his reputation.
On Sunday, Pastor Tyler reminded and encouraged us to continue to transcend the cultural concepts and barriers that keep us in our “boxes” in order to love those around us and fulfill the Great Commission. It was a good message – a challenge to take up.
Late Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet that challenge head on. Isn’t that just like God? But I was tired and wanted to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon. So, I reluctantly engaged and then recoiled because the situation became prickly, uncomfortable and “not like me.” When I went back into my world after the opportunity ended, I thought, “Phew! Glad that’s over. Now for some damage control.” I recounted the situation to a couple of close friends and Aaron – mostly in an effort to convince myself that I was right. The nerve of that person! The audacity!
On Sunday, Pastor Tyler reminded and encouraged us to continue to transcend the cultural concepts and barriers that keep us in our “boxes” in order to love those around us and fulfill the Great Commission. It was a good message – a challenge to take up.
Late Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet that challenge head on. Isn’t that just like God? But I was tired and wanted to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon. So, I reluctantly engaged and then recoiled because the situation became prickly, uncomfortable and “not like me.” When I went back into my world after the opportunity ended, I thought, “Phew! Glad that’s over. Now for some damage control.” I recounted the situation to a couple of close friends and Aaron – mostly in an effort to convince myself that I was right. The nerve of that person! The audacity!
But here I am several days out, hearing the Holy Spirit
whisper to me, “You could’ve handled that differently. You could’ve transcended
your own experience, preference and culture to show my love.” Isn’t that just
like God, too? He gives us an opportunity to use what we learned. We blow it up
into a billion pieces. And then He’s gentle and kind in His reminder to get out
there and do it again – this time the right way.
Today I’m praying for me – that I’ll have the opportunity to
transcend and show His love in ways that aren’t like me. And be prepared: I’m
praying that for you, too.
Written by: Jaime Hlavin
Edited by: Tamara Sturdivant
