Michael Frost writes a book called Exiles. The book describes how we, as Christians, are often living at odds with a world that offers both attractions that take us off-point in our Christian walk and opposition that does the same thing in a different way. Paul reminded us that we battle against powers and principalities more than flesh and blood. I have certainly seen this in my personal and church life. Here are some thoughts about our life as exiles in a world that, by nature, opposes us:
1. Realize that people you view as friends don't always live out your expectations. In my recent days I have watched outwardly acceptable 'Christians' use words like prayer and fasting to justify behavior that runs directly opposite of Scripture. They invoke the Holy Spirit and tell others how noble they were in their efforts. I say, give me break! Don't blame the Holy Spirit for your failure as Christian brothers and sisters and your laziness in being a friend. Forget that time beside the deathbed of a mutual friend. Forget those prayers when you were in financial turmoil. Forget the many opportunities you could talk face-to-face about any issues as a friend. Friends like that are dangerous and remind me the motto of X-files might be right ... "TRUST NOONE."
2. One of the greatest barriers in our faith walk is the barrier of self. I am my biggest obstacle to walking in faith and fullness of a life in Christ. I want to believe my sins and my mistakes are somehow better than those of other people. There is a story about a great Rabbi who dies and then returns to tell his people about heaven. They ask him what is the greatest sin in heaven? He replies ... "The greatest sin is believing you are better than anyone else."
3. Remember that we, as Christians and exiles, are doing what an Amy Grant song called "shining all our light in the sun." The point is that the good that we do (hopefully helping people, investing in the lives of others, risking ourselves so others can be saved, doing those little things that will never be seen or acknowledged) is done in the light of an amazing and big God. So, when we get no credit, persecution, no slack for the things we have done for others, no credit for hours spent in the trenches, it is just fine. Matthew 5 tells us we do good deeds so that our light will glorify the Father in heaven.
That is a good note to end on. While we are small we are also fearfully and wonderfully made. So Lord ... life us out of the boggy mire and set our feet on solid ground. And if my light is as insignificant as a 'breeze in a tornado' that is just fine.
