What Elf On A Shelf Taught Me About A Faith that Leaps. UNITE Linky

It’s the elf’s fault. The one I finally caved too, at Target. The one I had been seeing on Instagram, but wasn’t sure I wanted to commit to…

Daily. During Christmas.

I mean, who has creative ideas to place some Elf on a Shelf, late at night, or early morning, when your child won’t see you?

And that story of “Be good or else”, somehow grated on my religious theology of, “My grace is sufficient”?

Love has no conditions, does it? True faith is based on grace, not behavior, isn’t it?

But, there he dangled. High up in our tree, as if repelling from wrapping ribbon. That subtle smirk. Those eyes slightly turning, peering left, kind of eerily.

Repelling

I must have been eighteen. Willing to try anything, especially if it was prompted by my older brother, growing up a tom-boy. (In example, here, and here.)

That’s when He took me to a mountain, and made me climb it. Looped some rope to a tree, and had me repel down that rock for the very first time.

I mean, love doesn’t ask why, does it?

Love doesn’t question or doubt. Love trusts so completely, the one leading, because somewhere internally you believe, the other one has your best interest.

And for an agape love so strong, most would do anything.

A few, twenty-something guys screamed as they bounced off the rock and zoomed past me on my climb up.

I kept walking. Life was fresh, and filled with adventure. Doubt, questions, and fears hadn’t had a chance to come poison me, yet.

Stepping into that harness, I felt safe. Adrenaline pumped through my veins. Though I trusted my brother who personally knotted me into place.

I listened attentively to the instructions he gave, of how to repel. Grabbed the rope. And let go willingly, stepping off the cliff back wards, eyes facing in front of me.

Right hand loosened, tension eased, palms opened willing as I slipped seamlessly down that rock wall.

And I learned a few things while repelling that day:

1. Don’t look down, keep your eyes fixed on the rock in front of you.
2. Repelling doesn’t work if you keep your palm closed, if you don’t let go and trust the mount holding you tightly in it’s place.
3. The best repelling isn’t done, hugging the mountain, but kicking off the rock intentionally, getting air, and flying into freedom and out from bold faith.

I think about my faith, as I stare at our new Elf on a Shelf, repelling-like down our Christmas tree. 

Why can it be so easy to slip into careful Christianity?

And why do so many of us stay on the mountain, or never climb at all, because we worry about our own safety?

I want the kind of faith that doesn’t hunker down in the corner of the mountain and hide, watching others repel, while hearing those loving life, screaming in enjoyment….

What makes some live safe, and others…fearless to fly?

I want a life that each of us know is inside us, the kind that walks forward
without looking back…The kind where people look on and know it is only by grace any of us can lead it.

Yet, why do we too often let fear bind us? Live with a rope as a chain, instead of an opportunity to faith-leap out into the open?

Why do we settle for “doing” church, and rules, and works based religion…when it is all by grace and Him alone who saved us?

Who can boast? Isn’t it grace that saved us, through faith, so we can’t take credit? (Eph. 2:8)

Isn’t all a gift from God?

Rules and Reason or Full Abandonment and Freedom?

The rich young ruler was offered the promise of the fullness of God. I mean, he could check off the list of all the things He got right…

But, what about His heart?

It was His heart God wanted, not the meeting of obligations, or the rituals He had been hoped and promised somehow might save Him.

“Give to the poor.” Jesus beckoned. “Everything.”

“Then, come follow me.” The Savior initiated.

And isn’t that the same call He whispers today to each us? “Leap bold and strong.”

“Leave all”, He says. “And come follow me”.

Yet, I find it funny how easy it is to settle for half-hearted Christianity.

Yet, Revelations teaches, God hates Lukewarm Christianity. In fact, He says to those living content in it, “I will spit you out of my mouth.” 

Still, so many of us find it easier to settle back into safe-Christianity, than by vibrant faith, climb mountains, leap bold and whole-heartedly leap towards wherever He is leading us.

Have we mistakenly been told, we must be perfect before we leap? Has religion pounded us down into the understanding that the Spirit only works through “certain” people?

Truth be told, each of us embody His Spirit. We are all temples of His goodness. He has called each one of us to be His hands and feet….despite our resume’s or histories.

Scripture teaches, He is looking for willing vessels….not perfect vessels.

Are you willing?

I stare at my Elf on a Shelf, and wish it represented the church. Represented me at times…Leaping fearless in the direction of the wide and vast open, all for His glory.

The world is darkening, times are challenging. But God is faithful to use anyone willing to keep their eyes fixed on the rock, those willing to loosen their grip and trust Him with wide and open spaces…

Those letting the rope of His grace slip trusting, His purposes prevail through surrendered hearts to Him.

We were made to fly. Reach high. And do much for His Kingdom…

Where have you been trusting Him lately? Where have you been stuck from experiencing the fullness of His grace and all He has called you to experience?

(Linking this post with Jennifer Dukes Lee)

UNITE LINK PARTY

Welcome to UNITE! Unite is an all-inclusive, no-rules blog hop.

However, after linking, would you might commenting on the post before yours? Also, would you link back, just as a courtesy?

Thanks! And have fun!