We’re All Screwed Up
He came up to me at the conclusion of one of our weekend Boot Camps. I could tell he had something on his mind. He looked me in the eye, with the fire of rekindled hope in his. He cleared his throat and spoke,
“Dave, I just wanted to let you know that you are a huge encouragement to me…”
I heard what he said, but knew there was more that was going to come out. In a nano-second my mind raced ahead to anticipate what he may be preparing to say. I thought that perhaps he was going to suggest I had an exceptional ability to communicate, or amazing wisdom when I spoke, or that a powerful anointing infused my words. I was preparing to receive his encouragement, yet not let it go to my head.
What came next, what he said, was not even close to what I was anticipating;
“…because you are such a screw up, but God uses you anyways! That gives me hope for me!”
There was a brief silence between us and then we both broke out into gales of laughter.
He was right.
Throughout the weekend I shared my journey with Jesus. It is a story of Jesus time and time again pursuing me with His love in the midst of my brokenness and failures. He is faithful even when I am not.
The reality is, I’m screwed up. I have issues. I’m not as bad as I was, and I’m not as good as I’m going to be. I am on a journey to greater and greater freedom, and greater and greater glory.
As are you – we all are.
The reality is, no one is perfect – not this side of heaven. And God doesn’t demand perfection from you before He can work through you. He is looking for men who understand they are flawed, but are willing to offer their flaws and brokenness to the Lord, and trust Him to do His work in and through us.
The only people God has to work with are flawed humans. The ones he prefers to work with are those who know they are flawed and realize that God is bigger than our flaws. It’s not about your limitations, it’s about God’s limitlessness. God works in and through the humble – those who think about themselves less, not think less of themselves.
The lowly one is home for the Holy One. God chooses the weak and foolish things of this work to confound the wise and shame the strong. When we offer our weaknesses to the Lord he transforms us by His strength.
Years ago I was having breakfast with a Christian leader. He was asking me why I wasn’t stepping up and leading. I told him that I didn’t want to lead anything until I was sure my motivations were pure and I wasn’t seeking my own glory. I’ll never forget what he said to me next,
“Then I guess you won’t ever lead anything, because your motivations will never be 100% pure this side of heaven.”
He helped me to understand that God calls us to partner with Him in the midst of our brokenness. He’s not waiting for us to get our act together before we can partner with Him to serve others with our own giftedness. We are transformed in the journey.
As we offer our weakness, our brokenness, our flaws, our foibles, our messes, and our mistakes the Lord miraculously transforms us into His likeness. It is our willingness to bow in repentance and accept the Lord’s divine do-overs that we continue to move forward in the renewal of the Holy Spirit. We are made new in Him.
Are we all screwed up? Yup. Some more than others? Perhaps, but the fact is, we are all way more screwed up than we realize. God sees how messed up you are, and yet He still invites you to partner with Him to serve others. Offer your weakness to Him.
God is looking for men who recognize we’re messed up, but understand it’s not about us, it’s about Jesus in us. And that changes everything.
1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 3:4, 5
“Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”
I’m Ready!
He loved being a grandpa and he was so looking forward to this.
His daughter had called him and asked if he could look after his 2 year old granddaughter for a few hours. Absolutely! He loved any opportunity he could get to spend time with her. Her perspective on the world was so refreshing.
A 2 year old see things very differently than a 50-something year old. Everything is new. Everything is exciting. Everything is a wonder. Everything is an adventure. And everything seems possible.
Even as he drove to his daughter’s home he was anticipating the kind of time they would have…
Maybe they would go for a walk in the woods. Perhaps they would go to the beach. Or, they could go to a nearby park and play on the swings and the slide. They would definitely hold hands and stroll. At some point in time she would want him to put her on his shoulders and carry her.
They would have to eat something as well. Definitely fries. What’s better than sharing some ketchup soaked French fries with your granddaughter? Not much. And, they would finish things off with ice cream. He would help her try to get through her cone without dripping too much on herself. Then he would carefully wipe her face clean of all the smears and remnants of an excellent feast.
As they drove home he would steal glimpses, in the rear view mirror, of her slowly falling asleep in her car seat after an excellent day with grandpa. He was so excited, and he hadn’t even picked her up yet.
When he arrived at his daughter’s house he could tell his granddaughter was as excited as he was. After he had knocked on the door he could hear squeals of excitement from inside the house. His daughter opened the door and invited him inside. She told him that they weren’t quite ready yet.
And then, in the blink of an eye, his granddaughter ran into the foyer from down the hall. She certainly was not quite ready yet – she was totally naked. With all the enthusiasm one would expect from an energetic 2 year old, she ran up to him with her arms outstretched and yelled,
“I’m ready!”
I love this story a speaker shared recently at our church service. I want to be like that little girl. I want to have that kind of passion toward my Heavenly Father. I want to start each day with an enthusiastic, “I’m ready!”
“I’m ready to walk with you today. I’m ready to spend time with you today. I’m ready to listen to you today. I’m ready to enjoy being with you today. I’m ready to obey you today. I’m ready to do what you want to do today. I just want to spend this day with you.
“Here I am naked before you God. I am not trying to hide anything. I’m not faking anything. I know there is nothing I can bring that is worthy of you except a humble and surrendered heart. I know all that you want is all of me. As best I know how I am offering myself anew to you today.
“You are my priority today. I want You more than anything. There is nothing on this earth I want more than You. I want to live in Your love, delight and presence today.”
What a great way to start the day. Our Heavenly Father delights in us. And just like this grandpa, our Father eagerly anticipates how we will walk with Him each day – how we will share our time and our heart with Him.
Yes, God is calling us to be courageous men of virtue who wholeheartedly partner with him in the epic adventure of the Kingdom of God in us and through us for the benefit of others. And, He is inviting us as vulnerable, carefree little boys to excitedly dive into time with Him – just for the joy of being with Him.
May we start each day with arms outstretched toward our Father passionately declaring,
“I’m ready!”
Romans 8:15-17 (The Message)
“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!”
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart O God, you will not despise.”
Revelation 3:17
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
A Monkey On A Rope
Our crossing of the Gulfo Dulce had been magical: calm blue waters, cloudless skies, brilliant warm sunshine and a personal escort by a pod of dolphins.
The arrival at our destination was like a scene out of Jurassic Park. The gentle lapping ocean gave way to a black sand beach that was no more than 10’ deep to the point where the thick Costa Rican rain forest covered the shore as far as the eye could see. The skipper of the small boat that transported our family across the gulf pulled the vessel up on the beach in front of a small clearing in the jungle.
We were greeted by our hosts, a couple from California who had moved here years before to start a wildlife sanctuary. This was a very particular sanctuary that catered only to monkeys: injured or deformed monkeys to be exact. Spider, Kampuchean and Howler monkeys of all shapes and sizes were everywhere.
Until you have held a docile yet affectionate Howler monkey in your arms like a small child you cannot appreciate the wonder of how God created these amazing animals. This was an experience we would not soon forget. Most of the day was spent interacting with these incredible creatures.
There was one particular monkey that caught my attention. While all the other monkeys were free to move around the sanctuary, or within their large enclosures, there was one monkey that was tied to a huge tree. This Spidey monkey had a 100’ rope tied to its neck, with the other end tied to the tree. He would climb and swing around his tree dragging his rope with him.
When I inquired what the reason was behind the rope I was told a fascinating story…
The owners of the sanctuary had taken in this Spider Monkey that had been kept on a 3’ leash its whole life. They brought the monkey to the sanctuary, examined it, found it to be healthy, and they took the leash off. When they took the leash off, the monkey threw itself on the ground in what appeared to be an epileptic fit. When they put the leash back on, the monkey returned to normal.
Later they tried a different strategy by cutting the leash and allowing the monkey to run freely dragging its leash behind it. The monkey had the same violent epileptic-like reaction.
The strategy they had now adopted was to leave a leash on the monkey, but lengthen it to the point where the monkey can climb and swing in the tree even though it is still tied to the tree. And there he was dragging 100’ of rope around his tree, comfortable in his captivity.
I couldn’t help but see this as a picture of how some people choose to live their lives.
We can actually become comfortable with our captivity. We can hold onto the lies we have believed and the wounds we have endured so firmly that we refuse to let go of them to take hold of the truth, healing and freedom that the Lord has purchased for us.
In order to take hold of all that the Lord has promised us we must let go of that which has captivated us. We must let go of false beliefs we have about ourselves, the Lord and others. We have to let go of the offenses we have carried toward others. We have to let go of the jealousy, resentments, anger and bitterness we have picked up over the years of hurt. We have to let go of unforgiveness.
Too many Christians are like the Spider monkey tied to the tree on a long leash – they are not experiencing all the life, healing and freedom Jesus has for them because they are unwilling to let go of that which has bound them, perhaps that which has defined them.
Don’t be like the Spider monkey on the leash, still tied to the tree, comfortable in its captivity, unwilling to let go of that which has kept it captive. Surrender to Jesus the lies that have bound you. Let it all go to Him.
What are you dragging around that you need to let go of?
Don’t be a monkey on a rope.
Isaiah 28:15b
“…for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.”
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Hebrews 12:1, 2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Wow!
Wow!
I didn’t know what else to say.
Wow!
Around every corner there was another incredible spectacle of the majesty and greatness of God. I was overwhelmed. I was overcome. I was… speechless.
Sure, there were myriad other words I could have chosen; words that would have better described the grandeur unfolding before our eyes. Awesome, spectacular, stupendous, phenomenal, breathtaking, magnificent, wonderful, sensational, amazing, dazzling, marvelous, and incredible were all words I could have chosen to use, but all I could say was…
Wow!
I know, a little weak. In literary terms, pathetic. However, the truth is, that’s all that kept effusively gushing out of my mouth.
Anne and I were driving on a gloriously clear, sunny, summer day on the Icefields Parkway – Highway 93 – from Lake Louise to Jasper. The highway begins in Banff National Park and continues on into Jasper National Park. This 230 kilometre stretch of road is considered one of the most spectacular drives in the world.
The highway is named for its tremendous glaciers which flank its western side. It weaves up and around the mountains between Banff and Jasper National Parks, paralleling the Great Divide. The mountains are the “wow” in the drive. While driving you are surrounded by massive, majestic, mountainous, fortress-like cathedrals to the glory of God.
We were in the presence of giants: great, grand, glorious, gargantuan guardians of the glory of God.
I wanted to savour this time in the mountains, but it was sadly just a part of the journey, not our ultimate destination. I left feeling enriched and satisfied, yet hungry and thirsty for more. Like experiencing a precious touch of God during a time of prayer and worship, my heart was full, but I longed for more…
Mountains are found throughout scripture. There are over three hundred references to mountains in the Bible. God called Moses from the burning bush on Mount Horeb. God gave Moses the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai. Jesus regularly went up a mountain to pray and to get away from the crowds. Jesus was transfigured and met with Moses and Elijah on a mountain.
Daniel’s vision as documented in Daniel chapter 2 depicts God’s Kingdom as a mountain that fills the whole earth. Scripture often refers to God’s Holy Mountain where He resides. God’s righteousness is described as the highest mountain.
King David asks, “Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in His holy place?” We are told by Isaiah in chapter 57:13 “But the man who makes me his refuge will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.” Later on in verse 15 of chapter 57 the Lord tells us,
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.”
God’s glory, His holiness, His Kingdom, His righteousness and His presence are all metaphorically associated with mountains. Why? Because I believe there is nothing more awesome and breathtaking on earth than a massive, majestic mountain.
We have done a fair bit of hiking and climbing in the mountains over the years. Here is something I have learned about the mountains: though stunningly gorgeous, they are not easily accessed. It takes effort to get to the top of a mountain.
To have a “mountain top experience” takes effort.
I believe it is the same with God. He is stunningly gorgeous and glorious, and it takes effort to discover and experience the true riches of His presence and purposes. If we seek God we will find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts. Seeking God with all our hearts takes effort. Loving God with all our heart, soul mind and strength takes effort. Taking refuge in Him takes effort.
Having clean hands, a pure heart and not lifting up your soul to idols takes effort. Choosing to be humble and contrite takes effort. Choosing to live courageously, in confession and communion with God, in community with His people, and in combat with our spiritual foes takes effort.
To truly experience the “wow” of God, takes effort. But oh, is He worth our effort.
God. Wow!
Psalm 24:3-6
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.”
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Psalm 95: 3, 4
“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.”
Jesus Was Full Of It
Scripture tells us that Jesus was full of it. He was full of “it”, but not in the sense of the expression that we may be familiar with.
John tells us in John 1 that Jesus was the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, He came from the Father and He was full of… “grace and truth”.
So what does that mean? Well, as much as I understand about this I think it’s something we need to get a handle on for a number of reasons. It has huge implications for our lives.
Jesus came full of truth because mankind was imprisoned by lies. The spiritual strangler fig of the father of lies had been effectively sowed in the heart of the human race. Sin had taken root and was choking the life out of all of us. Truth is the antidote to the lies of our spiritual enemy that steal, kill and destroy the life God has for us.
Jesus said that He is the way, the truth and the life. It is Truth that will set us free. Jesus also said He will send us the Spirit of Truth to guide us in all truth. And John tells us that Jesus came full of truth.
If we don’t get hold of God’s truth we stay imprisoned to the lies of the enemy: lies about ourselves, lies about others, lies about God.
A truth about the state of mankind when Jesus came was that we were bound by a curse. The curse of sin meant that we were alienated from God and not part of the family of God. We were destined to die separated from God – our sin meant we were not participants in the promises and blessing of God. The truth was, we deserved to die.
However, Jesus came full of grace as well as truth.
So what is “grace”? Grace is often referred to as “getting what you don’t deserve”, or the “unmerited favour of God”. It’s a special favour, an act of kindness and courtesy, a pardon and a special privilege.
The grace of God extended mercy to mankind. We didn’t deserve God’s favour, we were rebellious, full of sin, and enemies of God – full of ourselves, not full of God. Jesus came full of grace – full of God’s favour toward us in spite of our rejection of Him.
Jesus came offering God’s undeserved favour to us as well as the antidote to our predicament. We deserved to die because of our sin, but the grace of God gave us life instead. And then He empowered us with truth to live in the freedom of His love.
If Jesus came full of grace and truth, I believe we need to be full of grace and truth as well. There are so many applications of this, but here is where the rubber hits the road for me…
The truth is, someone may have done me wrong: hurt me, disrespected me, offended me, rejected me, etc. Will I choose to extend grace to them? Will I offer love and forgiveness in the midst of the truth of the situation?
Sure, the truth may be that they were totally wrong. They should not have treated me that way. It was ugly and nasty, and everything in me wants to write them off. I want to yell, “Screw you!”, and walk away from them. Or worse, I want to do something that will hurt them the way they have hurt me.
Have you ever felt like that?
It’s in these kinds of situations we can be full of the grace of God as well. We can extend His pardon, His forgiveness, His mercy, His love, His kindness, His favour – His grace.
I find this hard to do. I find walking in the truth is easier for me, walking in grace is far more difficult. However, if we are going to be truly Christ like, we need to be full of grace and truth.
Lord Jesus, please help us by the power of your Spirit to be full of grace and truth. May we be full of You.
John 1:14, 17
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth… For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
John 8:31, 32
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”