For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:9-10
Backing off a 100 foot cliff with nothing but a rope was not my idea of having fun. I would have much preferred the more scenic route. Leading a group of young people that day into the back country of Colorado was a first for me — worse, I was in charge! On the event list was rock climbing, white water rafting and my favorite . . . rappelling! Adventure plus high octane risk of death was never my cup of tea. But this day, I was facing it — head on. I knew I was going to need to find a part of me that never showed face. I was going to need to go beyond the extra mile and risk it all — go first!
The moment I took my first step backwards and stared into the eyes of 25 teenagers, I knew I was gonna die right there in front of them! My level of self-confidence swung like a pendulum from “You can do this!” to “Are you kidding me? You’re gonna die!!” There was no in between where there was time to convince or justify — it was all or nothing. The sounds of my heart pounding could be heard throughout the canyon that day from the pressure to perform.
I’m glad, and maybe a bit proud, to say that I made it to the bottom of that rock ledge and would have done it all over again. It was a great day for me to be the student. I wish, however, that the pressures of performance had sweet endings like that all the time, but they don’t. The constant attention and effort required to measure up, meet expectations and “be” is riddled with living in bondage. The energy consumed by the physical body, the spiritual body and the toll upon the mind and emotions is at times, overwhelming. Truth is, with man, I will never measure up and I will always disappoint. How sad it must be.
But thank heavens I serve a God that takes me as I am! Bad ideas, stupid words, dumb decisions, mighty mistakes and the list goes on — God still, despite it all, accepts me and considers me COMPLETE in Christ! That certainly takes the pressure off! I get to be me!
Lord Jesus, I am so mindful of those around me and what they think of me. You knit me together like that! So, I work hard at measuring up. Continue showing me that all that matters is in You and You alone! Reveal in my heart as I turn and see Your face as I back off ledges in my life that You are my reason!
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16