:: in.a.mirror.dimly ::

About two years ago I realized that I’ve been trying to hedge my future and my finances beyond God’s plans for us. I was listening to financial advice all of the time, trying to build equity in our home, and praying that one day we’d have a lake house.

There, I said it. I would really like to live next to a lake.

I know that it’s common to speak of Jesus as Lord and Savior, but some days I’d like to have my salvation and my financial security together. It’s what we call having two masters: ourselves/the world and Jesus. They don’t mix.

Two Masters or One Lord

Jesus told his followers they cannot serve God and money. Rather, they should seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Making Jesus Lord has a way of wrecking our plans and our hopes for security. Jesus did not allow his followers to have divided loyalties.

There is No Plan B

When I think about making Jesus my Lord and placing his plans ahead of my own desires, I think of not having  backup plans. There is no plan B for disciples who place their hope in the Kingdom of God and the Resurrection.

I wrestle with this idea of a plan B. In one sense we don’t want to be reckless. We need to plan, to try new things, and to experiment. Sometimes living by faith has been used to justify foolishness. I’ve come close to that more than I care to admit. However, there is a fine line of faith that we’re always seeking.

As we stepped out in faith in our move to Connecticut I’m always working on this Lordship of Jesus thing. It involves listening to him and then actually obeying where I sense him leading. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m hearing him, and so I check with my wife or my in-laws.

Over the years I’ve learned to check with them more often than not.

I feel like I’ve hit my fair share of frustrations after following God’s leading. I’ve sometimes acted out of guilt or just my own desires and stupidity. But I think a few things are lining up bit by bit. I would have never chosen such a process for figuring out God’s calling for us, but then again, we need to remain open to the ways that Jesus establishes himself as Lord of our lives.

Either we have all things in God’s Kingdom and in the promise of the Resurrection, or we are to be pitied more than anyone else. Plan B is not an option.