Today's story is a story of transformation. It's a story of growth, and of what incredible things can happen when we take the process of following Jesus seriously.
When I was a child, I played a game called "Pie Tag." You can only play Pie Tag in the winter. You walk around in a circle until you create a circular path in the snow in which you can run. Then you create several lines across the circle to create a pie-shaped path system in the snow. Then you play a pretty standard game of tag. The problem is that you can't ever step off the path, or you are "it." In other words, you are stuck on the path and have really limited movement. It gets surprisingly hard when you can't pass anyone. Add a few people, and Pie Tag is a blast.
Life is like a game of Pie Tag. Over time, I have learned to see my world through a lens. I have learned a few specific stories with which to interpret every single event, relationship and encounter. In other words, those stories wore paths in my brain and it isn't hard to feel stuck.
My most prominent story has been this: "There is no reason anyone should like you." (Please, don't leave any comments to the contrary- they aren't as helpful as one might think) I have played that game and walked that walk so long that it is a well-worn path in my brain. At times, it isn't hard to instantly jump there.. When I walk that path, my life becomes characterized by envy, false flattery, bitterness and all sorts of un-fun stuff. That pathway limits my ability to respond to you. In other words, that story isn't very liberating or empowering. It wants me to be as free as a man in chains, as a man in quicksand.
Psalm 40:2 states "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." I believe salvation is a way out of the well-worn paths and a new way to respond to the world. Christ's death and resurrection gives us new eyes to see (2 Corinthians 5:7), new ears to hear (Luke 8:8) and a new mind to understand (Romans 12:2). In other words, Jesus tells a new story about who I am.
Christ intends for us to be free. I believe that the full and abundant life is one in which we are free from the Pie Tag patterns of our mind and free to hear who we truly are in Christ. I believe that to be free is not to be ensnared by the mud and mire of lies and deceit. I believe there is a new way to be in this world, and it's something I want.
Today I re-commit myself to stop the game of Pie Tag and to learn a new pathway. The pathway I am on is not about how terrible I am, but how great God is and how Christ is not ashamed to call me brother and friend. The pathway I am on embraces Faith, Hope and Love instead of Condemnation, Shame and Fear.
But it's not easy. I get why Lot's wife turned around and went back to Sodom even though it led to her death. Even when the well-worn pathway of shame sucks, there is a haunting appeal to the familiar. I also get why Jesus talks about putting the hand to the plow and not looking back. Even the best days can be sidelined by the old ways of thinking.
I much prefer the way of life. I find joy and excitement there. I find energy there. I find Christ there.
Anyone else with me?
