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.

Producing the fruit and letting go

Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. -Matthew 21:43

Jesus spoke prior the parable of the vineyard workers and how they worked against the owner to take over the lot. Those responsible for keeping the culture of Israel (the religious rulers of the time) were not producing good fruit…and they knew it. So much so that they feared the very people they were charged with leading. When the time comes to hand over their produce they cling to it, lusting after the power that they held.

Being so long in a position of influence will do that to you. Sometimes I find myself in that very same place…lusting after the power that was given me. But seasons pass and the time comes for an exchange; the fruit of my hands for the glory of God. While not easy all of the time it is necessary; all things, power, gifting, and positions are given from the Father. We as stewards of these “fields” are responsible to tend what is given to us, and we are given (in its time) the responsibility of letting go. We are to bear the fruit of our fields, the fruit is for others and not for our hoarding. We will in time find completion when we learn to let go.

Lord all power is yours, may your glory be known through my life in all things. Teach me to let go when the time is right. May the harvest come in its season and may I meet what is required of my life when that time comes. These fruits are for your glory forever. Amen