That Emotional Pendulum

In our world today it seems that most of our lives are characterized by either the urgency of the immediate or the apathy of inactivity. We swing back and forth between being stirred up about issues that are screaming for our attention, and settling into a dull entertainment-induced boredom that we think is “rest” from the busyness of living. Either scenario can be dangerous when it comes to living our lives with a Kingdom focus. As long as that emotional pendulum continues to swing in our lives we tend to believe that we are really living, and that this is what life is made of. We feel our blood pump and our adrenaline flow in those moments when we are working or playing hard, and as goals are achieved and games won we celebrate life in all its worldly fullness. Alternately the hypnotic call of passive entertainment or lazy leisure leaves our minds numbed to real relational conversation, all the while giving us a false sense of rejuvenation and rest. It’s no wonder we are always “doing” something,  but never accomplishing anything of lasting or eternal value.

Jesus, as we hear Him teach His followers, seems to urge us to find a different character of life that He describes as “abundant!”  Not that he asks us to “do” more as He knows how busy our lives already are. Not that He expects us to apathetically do nothing except “live by faith” – He also knows that is a trap of spiritual entitlement that leaves us too much “at ease” and ineffective. The abundance of life that Jesus modeled appears to be one of a focused intention.  He brought clarity and meaning to everything and anything that He did. His life had a defining purpose that energized and empowered Him through  every encounter He had, which ranged from hostile religious people to the urgency of those in pain who needed Him. All of these moments were natural parts of everyday life, but they became heaven-touched because Jesus maintained His Kingdom focus. He calls us to do the same.

How exciting to be His people,

Pastor David Vanderpool