Monday, July 20, 2009

Stupid Trout


I was struck this morning with how vital it is that I see what God sees, and live from His vantage point. I love it!

But if I don’t, I am soon caught and fouled up.

The facts are vital: I am not of this world—neither are you. The world I can see out my window is not the most real one—the invisible world is. And the world I see out the window, the passing away one, is shaped by the one I cannot see. I, too, am best seen in the invisible world. Looking there, looking at what God says is true in the unseen realm, I am revived. It’s no wonder—that’s where I’m from.

But I find weariness and confusion blanket me when I am not living by faith. I suppose weariness and confusion are faithful alarms. “Wake up, Ralph. You’re not doing very well. You live by faith—remember? You’ll be revived when you look again at what God says is true.”

I live by faith, not by sight.

But, man! The temporary stuff of this world sure lures my attention sometimes. I must look like a stupid trout, mouth agape, fining my way after the lure. “It’s so shiny, so desirable. I must have it.”

Knowing my lunatic pursuit, the Holy Spirit interrupts the danger. “You’re not feeling quite right, you’re not seeing things as they really are. C’mon—put your eyes on the truth and you’ll recover.” He’s good at interrupting.

And He reminded me this morning that there is no condemnation for the trout of this world.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous1:15 PM

    But Ralph, what happens when I see things the way they really are and who I really am in the spirt realm and I still continue to sin. I know that I am "becoming" down here in the earthly realm who I already am in the spirit realm - perfect, whole, righteous, new heart that seeks only after and desires only God...(all those things) but it seems as though I continually CHOOSE to sin. I hope I'm not the only person out there who feels this way and whose life is also like this. It causes great turmoil inside me because I know who I really am in Christ but I continue to run to my sin. It's like the Energizer Bunny, my sin seems like it just keeps going on and on and on. It's as though at those moments I love my sin more than I love God.

    I'm not looking for an indepth counseling response from you. I can't run from this any longer or bury it any longer and I'm finally being honest with God. I guess I just needed to get this off my chest and this specific blog stirred up this comment in me.
    janet

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