Gary Thomas - Simply Sacred: Daily Readings

The beginning of each new year provides an opportunity to reorient our hearts and minds toward that all-important call to seek first Gods kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Seek his kingdom is an invitation to bask in Gods presence the presence of the magnificent Creator who longs to spend unhurried time with us and to commit ourselves anew to be his faithful servants. The new year helps us put previous failures behind us as we recommit to the second task growing in righteousness by drawing on the strength and resources made available to us through Gods great goodness.

As our plane ascended out of San Antonio, it passed an enclave of mansions. These homes had to contain at least seven to ten thousand square feet of space apiece, with immaculate lawns and gardens, large pools, and huge garages. But from two thousand feet in the air, its amazing how small they looked. Another few thousand feet, and they became mere playhouses.

And then it hit me: not a home on this planet looks big to heaven; no house looks huge to God. The things that swell our chests with pride look puny from heavens perspective.

We cant impress God.

And so I prayed, Lord, help me to see this world with your eyes. Otherwise I might value what you despise and despise what you value.

It dawned on me that I was praying the prayer of Francis of Assisis conversion, the prayer that led him ultimately to reject his wealth and kiss the lepers. By aligning ourselves with supernatural vision, we can keep ourselves from slipping into the allure of materialism.

Thats what the psalmist experienced when he began envying the arrogant. Perhaps, like me, he had passed some of those ten-thousand-square-foot mansions. He noted that the inhabitants had no particular belief in God and he said what many of us have probably wondered from time to time: Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence (Psalm 73:13). But when he entered Gods house, his eyes were opened and he understood the riches that surrounded him: Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you (verse 25).

Regaining Gods perspective refocusing our spiritual eyesight changes everything. Will you pause for a moment and consider where your eyesight may be growing dim? Are you blinded to Gods daily blessings because youre too focused on financial concerns, health issues, or frustrated relationships? Have you stopped seeing people as important and instead stare wistfully at possessions, power, and pleasure? Stop, refocus, and look at your life and your circumstances from Gods perspective. What do you see?

Holy Available, 59 60

Even though I love writing books, it sobered me recently when I looked up the books of one of my favorite writers, Elton Trueblood. His works are twice as insightful as my own, and better written. He was more intelligent than I am, wiser, and I believe a more powerful communicator. Im still challenged by his thoughts. Yet almost all of his books are now out of print, and he died a scant two decades ago.

Im a fool if I believe it will be any different with me. Though out of obedience I want to serve God as he has called me to serve him, the longest-lasting way I can accomplish this is to pour my time into my family.

A theological truth stands behind this reprioritizing. I get really nervous when I see highly visible Christian leaders talking about a particular anointing or special touch from God creating what I call spiritual castes. Scripture lauds just one hero, and that is God himself.

In fact, the Bible goes out of its way to document how even major biblical characters had ugly flaws. Eve fell victim to the deception of the serpent. Abraham got ahead of Gods plan and fathered a line of descendants that even today remains at war with Israel. Moses killed an Egyptian and later displeased God so much that he lost the right to enter the Promised Land. King David committed adultery and murder. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Paul persecuted the early church.

God does not share his glory with anyone. No one can rival the Creator. Our so-called search for significance is often a dangerous attempt to steal some of Gods glory. We may make our lust for recognition sound angelic wrapping our ambition in kingdom-building terms but at root it becomes a demonic exercise to use Gods gifting in order to make ourselves seem important.

Dont be fooled. Dont ignore what really matters as you try to play the one in ten billion odds of being the rare historical figure who is still remembered three centuries later. Embrace your insignificance it feels very freeing and let it reestablish your focus. In Gods delightful irony, embracing temporal insignificance leads to the greatest eternal significance deeper relationships in the here and now, and everlasting affirmation from Almighty God in eternity.

Sacred Parenting, 160 61

Spirituality has become a popular word in our culture, but the highest value many people place on spirituality these days is sincerity. According to the popular view, it doesnt matter what we believe as long as we are sincere about it.

This is not the biblical perspective. James 1:27 puts this idea to rest with a dozen words: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this If God finds some religion acceptable, then he must find other religions unacceptable. If there is a way that God wants to be loved, then there must be a way he doesnt want to be loved. Sincerity alone isnt enough.

Christian spirituality is not a search for spiritual enlightenment, new experiences, or esoteric wisdom. It is rather rooted in a passionate pursuit of, and response to, a spiritual being God himself. Christian spirituality, wrote the Whiteheads, can be described as our consistent efforts to respond to the delights and demands of Gods presence in our life. The operative word here is presence.

The great Christian writers of the past stressed the importance of living in constant awareness of Gods presence. Those who have advanced in the Christian life have learned to develop an almost mystical memory that keeps them attuned to the fact that God is always with them, always ready to whisper his words of challenge, encouragement, affirmation, and loving rebuke. He is always watching, always caring, always hearing.

Perhaps the classic literary work on this aspect of the Christian life is Brother Lawrences Practicing the Presence of God. Lawrence, a humble monk, learned to take special delight in Gods continual presence, so that he felt equally close to God peeling potatoes in the kitchen as kneeling at the altar in prayer. He said we should establish ourselves in the presence of God by continually talking to him, suggesting that it was a shameful thing to allow trivial thoughts to break into this spiritual conversation. He urged us to feed our souls on lofty thoughts of God, and so find great joy in being with him.

How can you make yourself more mindful of Gods presence today?