I've been thinking lately about fill in the blank statements. I've decided that in school, they are pretty lame because there is only one right answer that is supposed to go there. But with other questions (usually life/bible questions) it allows the responder to tailor the question to his/her situation. It allows for a simple teaching to expand to include anyone and everyone. I think the following statements demonstrate this phenomenon.
1. We don't follow Jesus.
2. We don't follow Jesus because we sin.
3. We don't follow Jesus because of 'fill in the blank'
The first and second statement are true, but the third makes the responder apply the question to their own life. It makes it personal. If I'm attending a bible study, I can nod and say 'true' for the first two statements, whether I know what I'm claiming or not. but with the third, I can't give a simple nod. I have to complete the sentence with my own thoughts. Sure, I'll still be able to make up an answer, but I have to think of and give an answer. Perhaps I'll comprehend what I'm saying.
A side note, this thought was sparked when I was thinking of how I sign letters/posts. Normally I sign them with 'Live for Him' based on a wrist band I wear. It has always seemed like a good life motto and mission statement, that I kind of adopted it. But a few days ago a thought occur to me, 'what can I replace 'for' with? And what does the new phrase mean?' In other words, Live ____ God. Here's a few of my substitutions:
Live at God
This seems really selfish. Like I'm going to show God how to live. I got it right, so I'm going to live my right life at you (God) and maybe He'll catch on. I'm going to do whatever I want and I'm going to throw it at you, because its my life, therefore I know how to live it best.
Live on God
This seems better. Making God the metaphorical base in my life. It reminds me of the song 'leaning on the everlasting arms.' Still I could take it to mean that God is below me. That He is the base and as long as I keep that base I can do whatever I want. Perhaps I'll, metaphorically, use this God base to build a castle for myself.
Live for God
This gives my life a purpose. As if I'm being employed to work for God. It doesn't give me the option to make my own outline of how to live life, because it has been given to me. Yet, I feel like this phrase is missing something. It almost seems like I could live for Him, with His rules, but still live a legalistic, unfulfilled life. Using the above example, perhaps god have me the base to build and He gave me the building plans and materials to do His work. That sounds pretty good, but I thought of a better phrase.
I thought, 'ok, at the end of the day what will I come home to.' I'll have a study foundation that cannot be shaken. I'll have the best building plan and all the best materials to make the structure. I have all the tools complete the best structure ever. But it's just a building. It's what is inside the building that matters.
Side note: Scriptural notes on some buildings. Jesus called the Pharisees 'Whitewashed Tombs' (Matthew 23:27). They were good looking on the outside, but dead on the inside. Paul calls our bodies 'Temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). It's what's on the inside that counts.
So here's my new phrase...
Live with God
I've started to realize that, even if I have the best foundation and the greatest structure. It means nothing if I don't get to spend time with the designer, if I don't get to know the One who creates perfection (That's a fun thought). So I will still Live for God, but I will also Live with God. To know Him, for who He is. Then we will build the house together, after all Jesus was a carpenter :)
I'd love to here some of the words you can put into the phrase. Let me know your thoughts.
Live with Him
-Travis
