Again today that homeless person is working the same plaza intersection where all the Target shoppers, Starbucks drinkers and gym members exit. He’s the one with the cleverly crafted cardboard sign that begs a second glance. Wonder if he’ll use the dollars toward a fast food sandwich and survival OR are we all just being used? Honestly, we all want to do the right thing, but how can you?
My men’s Bible study/fellowship group has discussed this topic a few times. Collectively we’ve had enough homeless encounters that we could assemble a short “how to” book. Actually it would be more about what not to do because our general conclusion is that God has used these moments to reveal to us how unfit we actually are.
I think it’s pretty cool to get together with these guys and share. We've discovered that we have a long way to go to be like Christ. That could be a pretty disappointing assessment if it wasn’t for the more obvious fact that we’re trying. You don’t see a group of men talk about stuff like this unless they’re sincerely trying to get stronger.
The same is true among the many people trying to get more physically fit. It is easy to get discouraged when weight isn’t being lost quickly, measurements don’t get smaller, and health and wellbeing are slow to improve. Satan uses that to discourage and create a strong sense of defeat. It’s easy to be convinced that we’re destined to be flawed, broken and separated from God’s goodness with no hope to achieve our full potential and greater purpose.
What is it that gets you, me all of us past “sincerely trying” to “truly attaining”? Contrary to all the hype about being focused, committed and going after your own goals it is something else. Good intentioned friends, personal trainers, bodybuilders, family, coaches, motivational speakers and pastors need to cut the crap! You can never be positive enough.
Truth be told, in light of God’s wisdom and grace we lie to ourselves quite a bit when our heart and actions don’t accomplish His purpose. That homeless person is working a message from God that you need to hear. Are you WILLING to be used by God?
We need to embrace the nothing ventured – nothing gained mentality a lot more. When you “get out in the cold” you’ll discover that not only can you adapt, you’ll flourish. Quit making silent agreements with yourself about how you think life should be and what you have to do to make good and be great. You can’t really be anything until you are being used by God.
December and January each year seem to be a time of both reflection and anticipation. The more I do both, the more I conclude that we’ve complicated life way more than it should be. We need to get back to basics and seek pure relationships with our own self, others and God so that we can be used. It’s our longing. It’s our destiny.
My brother-in-law found himself being used recently. His father was dying and it was time to draw upon all the training he had done as a nurse. The son was honored to make a most incredible sacrifice in a circumstance not of his choosing. Being used isn’t something we do because it makes sense or because we find personal benefit in it. Being used is painful and at the same time joyous. It is obvious and yet very mysterious. It requires fitness because it is incredibly physical while being all the more spiritual. What may seem to be the end is only the beginning of a much greater outcome.
Stop weighing what you feel and see. Start measuring yourself and others differently. It’s not about how much “fat” you lose or how much “muscle” you gain. It’s simply about being used. Honestly, we all want to do the right thing – and we can. Why wait? Start shaping eternity now.
In memory and celebration of Thomas King. Thank you for being used by God.
