September 18, 2014 | Reflecting Glory

A larger percentage

Recently, I wrote the following section of a Bible study:

The light of God’s glory reflects off the marble walls of our lives. This allows the world to see the King’s residence. Being citizens of the kingdom, we live according to a different agenda – a kingdom agenda. This changes much about how we live. Most of us have lived out this ideal very imperfectly, but that can change! God has given us His Word and Spirit that allow us to experience it much more powerfully.

In response, I received the following note. I hope that it will encourage and convict you as it has me:

Wayne, as I read these words, I developed a tic in my right eye. I’ve learned that this means I’m hearing something I don’t want to hear. The Holy Spirit convicted me that I’ve willingly dedicated a % of my life to Him, but I’ve reserved a larger % for myself. I have asked for forgiveness and by His power to dedicate all to His glory. Please pray for me. Thank you. Don’t back off from such conviction. 

a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 3:11-14 NASB)

Children’s books often say it best

Teaching on the next section of Colossians 3, I also received a letter that claimed that Mark Hall & Matthew West had summarized the idea in a picture book for children. Based on the Casting Crowns song City on a Hill, their poetry reads:

“Did you hear of the city on the hill?”

Said one old man to the other.

It once shined bright and would be shining still,

But they all started turning on each other.

You see, the poets thought

The dancers were shallow…

And the soldiers thought

The poets were weak.

And the elders saw

The young ones as foolish…

And the rich man never

Heard the poor man speak.

Each one thought they knew better,

But they were different by design.

Instead of standing strong together,

They let their differences divide.

And one by one, they ran away,

With their made up minds, to leave it all behind.

And the light began to fade, in the city on the hill,

And the world is searching still.

It is the rhythm of the dancers

That gives the poets life.

It is the spirit of the poets

That gives the soldiers strength to fight.

It is the fire of the young ones;

It is the wisdom of the old.

It is the story of the poor man

That’s needing to be told.

One by one, we can return to stay,

With made up minds, leave our differences behind.

And the light will lead the way to the city on the hill,

Come home…the Father’s calling still.