Yet equipped

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
– Phillippians 3:12

I am reminded of the passage in Song of Solomon:

“My beloved is mine, and I am his.”

Having reached a good level and advanced maturity, Paul is aware more and more of his “immaturity” or imperfection. He is aware and open about the nature of his heart, yet he presses forward taking one step after the next. In a race, there is much ground to be covered; understanding where you are supposed to be is important to the racer, and the knowledge of placement is balanced with the mindset of completion…of attainment. What a runner races for is equally important as where a runner finds themselves.

I believe this is the balance between faith and works. The call of God is the finish line; it is the call of Christ himself, and a calling to himself! It is “my beloved is mine.” This mindset is what begins our race and what finishes it. This call is balanced with our footwork, our actions, our works, our response to the call of God. It is a good and healthy practice to consistently check in with our progression; are we on track…off track? The great secret to this race is knowing that our coach has taught us well; He has taught us, and equipped us with the techniques to finish well.

So also this is a plea to make this race my own, to make it personal. Knowing my weaknesses and my strengths, all the while utilizing the Spirit to finish in good fashion. It is in His Spirit where I find my strength and in my weakness where I find His strength. My race might not look like another’s and pacing might differ between other’s; and while some race in cars, and I in a boat race, ultimately, I am always equipped for the race I have been placed in…the way that I experience God, the way I make Him my own, and the way I find myself in Him is unique…yet equipped.

What I do that defines me

You see that faith was active along with his (Abraham’s) works, and faith was completed by his works; and the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham beleived God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” – and he was called a friend of God. – James 2:22,23

ESV notes: “Completed” often means “bring to maturity.” Full-grown and genuine faith is seen in the good deeds it produces.

This is the fruit of faith and the result of the scripture “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6

I am made complete in Christ! Maturity in my faith is tested by evidences of the Spirit’s working in what I do. In watching “Batman Begins” the other day, I came to this scene: Batman/Bruce Wayne speaks saying, “It is not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” While at first I disagreed with his awesome sounding statement…True integrity begins in the heart, true character lies inside…but it must manifest itself externally.

What defines our faith (the great gift God puts inside all of us) is our works…it is what makes faith worth it. For, what if I beleived and made no point of action on what I beleived? My beliefs would be useless thoughts bouncing around in my head. All the more, my maturity is held by the standard of Christ; who, produced the greatest work of all…he gave everything, lived everyday on the missionfield of hearts. He sacrificed his life for mine, that I might give mine too; that another might find him.

Lord help me live this life for others as you did. Engrain in me this mission you have called me to. I thank you for this living, mature, completed work that you have done within me. -Love Bryan