Stop the Treadmill!

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A few posts back, I talked about how important it is that our spiritual “eyesight” is clear. We live in a culture where fast, big, and strong are values that have risen to the point of addiction … and exhaustion!

When we are wearing the correct spiritual “lens,” small wins over large. Slow wins over fast. Weakwins over strong. So what is the engine that pushes us toward big, fast, and powerful? I believe it is the foundational value of production. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not naïve to the fact that it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there and our businesses, workplaces, and communities seem to have accelerated and demanded more of us. Is it because of our “more is better” worldview?

Consider these words from Jesus spoken after the disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest among them:

“Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.” Then he went on to say, “For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.” (Luke 9:47,48)

Speaking to those wearied by life, He said:

“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:29,30, MSG)

The psalmist put it this way:

“He’s (God) not impressed with horsepower; the size of our muscles means little to him. Those who fear God get God’s attention; they can depend on his strength.” (Psalm 147:10,11, MSG)

God insists that we are to depend on Him, not put our trust in our own strength or our ability to perform.

Why do you think, is it so hard to live a life that values small, slow, and weak in our culture today? Do you even want to? What are you learning that could help others?

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