Laid to Rest

by Will Walker

There are no secrets to spiritual growth. There is humility and repentance and faith.

I cannot explain why we are the way we are.  We try all kinds of things – good things – to change, but every new thing seems to have a shelf life. Even when something works for a while, our tendency is to become superstitious at best and idolatrous at worst. When a particular method or formula or idea eventually loses its effect, we become disappointed. That is, we discover we are still, after all, who we are.

There aren’t any silver bullets when it comes to changing who you are. There is being forgiven for who you are, befriended in spite of who you are, and accepted as you are, but these have to do with love and not change. Perhaps being loved is the only way to be changed. Indeed, every answer leads us here, to the unadulterated grace of God in Jesus, who died for us while we were still helpless, and who now lives through us in our weakness. And to him we submit our “knowledge” and forsake our “righteousness” and entrust our lives.

My God, my rest; my burdens cast on Thee.
When all my best is but a drop in the sea,
You are nothing less than God and rest to me.

Comments

[madeline]

"...the image of God is central to developing a solid view of personality; that our sinfulness, not how we've been sinned against, is our biggest problem; that forgiveness, not wholeness, is our greatest need; that repentance, not insight, is the dynamic in all real change." -Larry Crabb

A friend brought this quote up this week and it really encouraged me. How freeing, quieting even, to understand that it is repentance (NOT new profound insight, preoccupations or scenery) that is so essential to growth.

When change is what I desire, I find myself with the feeling that I am in need of and waiting for something or some understanding that I don’t have. And yet I know I am promised that I have already been given all that I need for life & godliness.

The idea that something outside of me -something new- could change me is a sham, alluring & empty. It is Jesus willing & working in me that causes growth & change, and while I sometimes think I could die of discomfort as I wait for that, I have to know that the answer isn’t anywhere else.

It is His kindness that leads me to repentance; He initiates everything, even my repentance & subsequent change.

[madeline]

oooh...

i wrote this, went running, and thought it important to note: redemption and truth are actually only to be found outside of me, outside of self. it's just in one person though, Jesus, not in anything novel out there.

[Dustin]

Amen...Will...Amen!

[Kendal]

Where is the outrage at the neglect of this blog? I demand justice!

[Walker]

Um, the lack of outrage has to do, unfortunately, with the lack of readership. You are an army of one, my friend.

[Kendal]

Deflecting the blame uh...how convenient!

[Walker]

To be clear, the blame for the lack of writing is on me. Lack of readership has only to do with the lack of outrage.

Besides, why aren't you writing anything for the blog, fancy seminary boy?

[Kenny]

huh...let the record show that I check this blog almost daily, and I miss reading/enjoying/contemplating the various thoughts and experiences expressed here.

I guess this is a belated "thanks"...

[madeline]

agreed. the musings have been missed, will. be encouraged. and please write some more :)

[Patrick]

Apparently the title "Laid to Rest" had multiple meanings. Will, I am holding you to your promise to finish the Abraham writings (at some point). I also check it daily and miss it. I don't get 90% of what Bob puts on the C.D. blog, so I like to read this one. What have you been doing? It is not like you have anything important going on. How much time can it take to sell your house, move your stuff (twice), buy a new house and start a new job? You should be writing by now.