Saturday, May 9, 2009

Forgive the Distraction

Forgive me, friends, for allowing myself to be distracted from one of the most worthwhile exercises that engaged minds can practice: reflective writing. When one has the tendency to "disengage" from the world and turn inward toward self and its own desires, he becomes less reflective on matters impacting his world and far more focused on matters that impact his "appetite." More often than not, my appetite is one of escape rather than engagement; not wanting to think reflectively about the challenges facing our spiritual condition and moral landscape, but rather reverting to an an almost arrested stage of development where the boy in me wishes to hide. However childish that may sound, I am a man-boy locked in a battle between flesh and spirit for the stake of the mind. And when that disengagement ensues, other disciplines are equally impacted; mainly prayer, the study of God's Word, and relationship building.

It is time to shout aloud "Ollie, Ollie, Oxenfree," and to stop hiding. Get engaged and reflect on the things that matter most to an All-knowing and holy God. He has empowered us by His Spirit as His called-out ones to engage and address our world with the truths of His Word and with the love of His Son, Jesus. There is no other way to encounter the brokeness of our world, but to actively experience it by engaging it on the frontlines.