Anyone who is or ever has been an athlete is likely at some point to hear this cliche from a coach; "No pain, no gain." Being something of a practical person, I would change that into a question. "What gain is worth pain?" When you think about it, avoidance of pain keeps a lot of things from happening. Diets die because of the discomfort that comes with changing eating habits. Healthy bodies don't happen because of the pain that comes with moving from a sedentary lifestyle to an aggressively physically active lifestyle. Dreams don't come about because of the hard work necessary to actualize them. Churches won't move out of ingrown stagnancy, because the changes necessary to move outside of comfort zones appear too painful. We naturally avoid pain. Accepting pain because of a yet to be actualized gain some not come naturally or easily.
That makes this time of the year all the more impacting for those in relationship with Jesus. Traditionally, the 40 day period of time leading up to Easter is known as "Lent." Among other things, the season of Lent invites us to realize the resolute commitment with which Jesus made his way to Jerusalem, knowing that the pain of death awaited him there. What gain could possibility be worth abandonment, the bone-and-metal-studded Roman whip, and the agonizing, ripping execution by crucifixion?
For Jesus, the answer the that question was and is disarmingly clear.
You are the gain, worth that pain.
You think about that. I'll see you around the next bend in the river.
Raking Leaves
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Fall is here. The sun is moving towards the edge of the frame where, in
just a few weeks it will hit the bumper rail and start back towards the
other side...
2 years ago
1 comment:
Pain from change is beneficial when the change that is being sought after isn't just "cosmetic".
The motivation for the "change" has to be 'owned' by the individual or group that seeks to make a difference. Whether it be a diet, exercise, etc., true lifestyle change doesn't stick without a core commitment that the individual/group makes for themselves. Dedication is born of that commitment. If that quest for change is motivated by what someone else decides is necessary for that individual/group, that change is void of the passion needed to sustain it.
Christ's heart was God's heart. The passion that He posessed came from within Him. That passion gave Him the strengh to endure the pain.
That being said...What are we lacking that prevents our motivation toward change?
It's certainly not cosmetic. In my opionion, it's much deeper issues like lack of congregational intimacy, committment, a servants heart.
No building space and sign changes can address or motivate change in these core things. Maybe we need to ask for God's heart in these matters. Then the passion for change will come.
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