And so ends Lent, and the joyous celebration of Easter commences. I love Easter, I love the joy in remembering Christ's conquest, I love that we are to celebrate and I think that is something we Protestant Evangelicals need to learn to do with much more joy and vigor.
In and through the joy of realizing Christ's triumph over sin, his forgiveness of my sin, the reconciliation he has brought between me and God and the hope he offers I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:19 which says "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." I love this verse because it reminds me that the "craziness" in giving up things for Lent really isn't crazy. It reminds me that the impact of the resurrection is supposed to be impacting my daily life. My life should not look like the world around me, it should look different so that the rest of the world is confused by it; yet in light of eternity I will be secure and quite sane.
The application of Christ's resurrection is essential - without it we are just people who go to a building, sing some songs, and maybe live moral life. Though these things are not bad, they would not lead to a pitiable life. Realizing the fullness of the forgiveness that we have received, realizing the fullness of the power of Christ to conquer all frees us to live radically different lives which are fully surrendered to Christ. A life worth pitying in the world's eyes. That's the kind of life I want to lead.
Are you saying a life fully surrendered to Christ is a life worth pitying in the world's eyes?
ReplyDeleteYes, I am... because it will likely cause you to do some things that to other people will be "pitiable" - like give away money, give up a good career to go overseas, not date/marry someone because of their faith; to the world, these would be "pitiable" but we have hope. Do you agree?
ReplyDelete