Two out of Three
Over the years, I’ve learned to let go of some things. For some personalities, that’s harder than it is for others. I think I fit in the “harder than others” category. Yet life teaches us what’s important and what isn’t. Straight A’s and public image were the driving force of my first few decades. I wanted to make a good impression and not just look like I had my act together, but actually have my act together. (Anyone?)
Then in walked reality… and wisdom. The pursuit of straight A’s and getting it all together has been replaced by purpose and relationships. In my early years, “two out of three” wasn’t acceptable, regardless of the category being discussed. Now there are some days when I’m grateful that two out of three “whatevers” work out!
That was until I came to John 8:29 in my priority time this week.
“And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”
This verse is in the context of Jesus speaking to a group of Jews who are skeptical of who He is. As I read it, I started to think that the very things Jesus was saying about His Father are true for me.
Jesus said, “And he who sent me is with me.” What a comfort it is to know that God is with me! Even when Jesus left this earth and was no longer physically here, God was quick to send the Holy Spirit, His equal, so we, too, can know that the Lord is here with us.
Not only do we have the benefit of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit, but we also have the peace of never being abandoned. In a world where people’s commitments are conditional and betrayal is a painful reality, what Jesus said 2000+ years ago can be said by me: “He has not left me alone.” Don’t run by that. Very few people stick with you through thick and thin… but God? Always.
Now, as you can guess, this is where it gets messy. This little verse is packed with three thoughts. The first two are God’s role and then what Jesus closes with is His role: “for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”
I am way past trying to be perfect, but as I thought about God’s unending faithfulness, it stirred in me a desire to hold up each thought and activity of mine to God’s standard. I’m busier than ever, but is what I’m doing “the things that are pleasing to him”? It’s a worthy question for us to consistently ask.
· We can be doing the wrong things.
· We can be doing the right things, but doing them the wrong way.
· Or we can do the things that are pleasing to Him – the right things, with the right heart, and His perspective.
Before you move on with your day, I encourage you to stop like I did and ask the Lord about your things. There’s no doubt that He does His part. He is with us and doesn’t leave us. Let’s desire to please Him enough to ask:
· Is there anything I’m doing that is not pleasing to You?
· Is there a place I need to change the way that I’m doing something?