Full Disclosure

With their kids all grown and out of their large home, Bella and Ron have decided it’s time to move into a condominium (that’s smaller and easier to care for). On the day of the open house, all rooms are staged and ready (except the basement, which is in unfinished construction mode).[i]

The door to that room is securely locked much to the displeasure of the realtor. Will partial access to the interior of this home help (or hurt) it’s chances of finding a buyer?[ii]

The above example is a great deal like giving God an all-access pass to every part of my life except one. The Almighty needs me entirely for the total life transformation He has in mind (if I will allow it).

Why am I so afraid of this process? With every challenge, I face my Heavenly Father is completely in control of the outcome.  Jesus looked round at them. “Humanly speaking,” he replied, “it’s impossible. But everything’s possible with God.”[iii] Why do I limit God with my unbelief when His capabilities are limitless?

As my life progresses down its path, it’s always best to allow God to have power over it. “You know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God, don’t you? You do not belong to yourselves…”[iv] If I took this verse seriously, there would be many changes I would make (including weight control).

 

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
'Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel[v]

For any spiritual change to be truly effective (for me), God must remain in control. This means I believe Him even if His plan makes absolutely no sense to me.

“My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do.”[vi] Would I want a God I could figure out? No

In the atmosphere of church, it’s often easy for me to make that commitment towards a Christ-centered life. In the reality of my everyday life, I often take back those promises that I sincerely meant to the Almighty. I can relate (both the positive and negative) to the lyrics below?  What about you?

Careless, I am reckless
I'm a wrong way traveling, slowly unraveling, shell of a man
Burn out, I'm so numb now
That the fire's just an ember way down in the corner
Of my cold, cold heart

Lord, this time, I'll make it right
Here at the altar I lay my life
Your kingdom come and my will was done
My heart is broken as I cry

But this time Jesus how can I be sure?
I would not lose my follow through
Between the altar and the door

Here at the altar
Oh, my world so black and white
How could I ever falter
What you've shown me to be right?

Lord, this time
I'll make it right
Here at the altar I lay my life
Your kingdom come, but my will was done
My heart is broken as I cry

I'm trying so hard
To stop trying so hard
Just let you be who you are
Lord, who You are in me[vii]

PS: This topic is to be continued in the future post entitled, “House Cleaning.”

---

[i] “Full disclosure” refers to the general need in business transactions for both parties to tell the whole truth about any material issue pertaining to a transaction. (www.investopedia.com)

 

[ii] This post was inspired by the sermon, Christmas Revealed: Life Revealed (installment three) Pastor Dave Jansen Sunday, December 11, 2016

 

[iii] Matthew 19:26 (NTE)

 

[iv] 1 Corinthians 6:19 (ISV)

 

[v] Jesus, Take the Wheel” Performed by  Carrie Underwood (chorus)

 

[vi] Isaiah 55:8 (VOICE)

 

[vii] “The Altar and The Door” Performed by Casting Crowns (abridged lyrics)