Far Too Easily Pleased

It's funny how the lessons we learn mean different things to us as the seasons of our lives change.  For as long as I can remember my parents and the influential mentors in my life have always given me the advice to never settle.  While this adage is often applied to the idea of marriage or relationships, its implications span so much wider than that.  The call to never settle is not just about finding a mate or significant other; it is a motto and a way of life.

This semester in CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ), we are talking about the abundant life we have been given in Christ.  John 10:10 says,

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV)

This particular verse has been particularly special for me because it was my staff's theme verse my first summer serving with Carolina Cross Connection.  It is the Biblical echo of the advice I have heard from so many to never settle.  God has promised life that is vibrant and dynamic, full of meaning and purpose.  There is such beauty and hope in this truth.  I must cling to this promise no matter the circumstances or curve-balls life throws my way.

C.S. Lewis ranks high on the list of people I would love to have dinner or coffee with if I had the opportunity.  His writing is so wise and thought-provoking, and this particular quote really resonated with me when it was shared at CRU this week.  The Gospel is the most powerful message ever proclaimed and all too often I settle for less than all God has promised me.  Life in Christ was never supposed to be about being "good enough" or doing just enough to scrape by and get to heaven.  The call of discipleship is a radical adventure that requires sacrifice but has rewards beyond our wildest imaginations.  My hope is that I would live in the reality of my transformation, truly casting off my old self and living in the light of my true, everlasting, and eternal identity.  

The other wonderful truth wrapped up in the Gospel is that there is both a now and a not-yet of the Kingdom.  Life is not about just waiting for the next thing to come along, but also celebrating the power of the moment and opportunities at hand.  We are called and chosen children of the King, so we can't go on living like orphans.  As I am growing and maturing in my walk with the Lord, He is teaching my heart and challenging my world view.  I want my life and purpose to be about preaching the good news of the Gospel in both Word and deed.  Not out of any sense of obligation, but because the abundant life God has promised to us is worth it.  Life may not be perfect, pain and brokenness are unfortunate realities of a fallen world, but in Christ there is no darkness and there is always hope.  God is calling us to lay down our burdens and cease all of our striving because the Kingdom is here and it is now.  Though He will come again, Christ has died and He has risen - "it is finished;" once and for all.  And because of this we have infinite joy now and forevermore.  How could we ever settle for anything less than the full and abundant life God has promised us?