Hills to die on - Part 2

In the “about me” section of this blog, I describe myself as having a lot of labels.  I’m a Colorado Christian University alumni.  To some, I’m the Chick-fil-A guy.  I’m a son; I’m a brother.  And, of course, I’m a superhero fan.  But I go on to declare that the most important thing about me is that I am a Christian.  When you draw a line in the sand like that, and point to Jesus Christ and say, “I’m following Him,” it provokes anger, hatred, and persecution in some people.  This is just what Jesus said would happen in John 15.  So, as I said last time, writing blogs like this isn’t necessarily easy, but I must present the truth.

Hill to die on number 2: God’s way is always the best way.  In 1647, there was a catechism that was put together, belief statements, it has been helpful to many.  This is known as the shorter Westminster catechism.  The first is as follows: “What is the chief end of man?  The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever.” 

Sinclair Ferguson, in his work “Lessons from the upper room” gives food for thought when he writes: “People often assume that the glory of God stands in antithesis to their own blessing and may even be His calculated denial of it.  It’s as if they believe – as they in fact do – that every ounce of glory God gets proportionately diminishes their happiness and pleasure… [but the truth is,] God’s glory and our enjoyment go hand in hand!”

Psalm 16:8 states, “I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”  What is the result?  Verse 9: “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure.”  And then perhaps this more familiar verse; Psalm 16:11: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  Did you catch it?  The Psalmist lives his life to honor and glorify the Lord, and the result is his heart is glad.  Sinclair is right: “God’s glory and our enjoyment go hand in hand!”

The fact of the matter is God is not a cosmic killjoy.  Let me be transparent with you: every time I have chosen to go my own way other than God’s way, I regret it.  The Bible says, “The way of the transgressor is hard.”  Proverbs tells us, “He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow” (22:8).  Conversely, when you do it God’s way, you want to sing the old song, “He has made me glad; He has made me glad.  I will rejoice for He has made me glad.”  That’s because what He prescribes in His Word is actually for own good, not to take away our fun.

Now, in conclusion, let me reiterate something: just because God’s way is the best way does not mean that there won’t be pain along the path.  As Graham Tomlin expresses it, “the more intensely we follow Jesus the more joy and laughter there will be, but likely the more tears and struggle also.  Carrying His name in this world is an awesome and enjoyable adventure but one that will require much endurance and courage.” (As quoted by Matt Redman in his book “Mirror Ball”).  Amen and amen!

Kevin