Author: Wick

We sometimes call “giving our entire lives”, and being “transformed by the Spirit” Holiness. And “Holiness” becomes the goal of our individual and corporate lives. The “end”, that we’re all working towards. Comparing it to Giglio, Holiness has become in a spiritual sense, the “awesome universe” type thing. We say “see, God is so holy, and becoming involved in His Holiness, allows you to handle all that life throws at you.”

But why? “Cause God said ‘be holy’, and that’s good enough for me.”
Okay. But for what purpose has God said it?

If there’s ever been a time for us to be preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God…it’s now. Holiness is NOT the “end result” of a life striving for God. Holiness is not even the main goal. It’s much more important than that.

We pursue holiness, we pursue a life-transforming, actual being-changing, Spirit-moving-in-and-through kinda thing…..not so we can step back and say “look, that’s what Holiness is”, or even “hurray, I’ve done it!”. We are called to do these things, to live and build towards the now and coming Kingdom of God. To proclaim the reign and rule of God into the world today.

So yes, God IS big. Big enough to handle my life. Sure.
He’s God…so I’d hope so.

But as Louie illustrated, my life is pretty small in the grand scheme of things. So I think it’s even more incredible that this small planet, and these tiny people are in many ways being used to usher in the very Kingdom of God! To proclaim the reign and rule of God to all of creation (including the entire known universe…although not much vocal proclaiming is needed outside our atmosphere that we know of)! In that sense, the picture that’s much larger than what it offers my life…but at the same time, what I can be a part of…THAT is indescribable.

That’s a “why” I can very much get behind. The “why” of the universe being so stinkin’ incredible. The “why” of becoming involved in the pursuit of holiness. It’s like the “42” of reality.

And I think we need to teach/preach/live it more often that is done.

Recently watched Louie Giglio’s worship DVD message entitled “Indescribable” again. Can’t remember the first time I watched it, or much about it…so let’s just say it was my first time.

He said a lot of facts about how huge the universe is. Awesome. Indescribable. Yup. Illustrations that hardly even grasp at it. Can’t remember exactly the one he used, but something to the effect of, “the earth in the known universe is like the size of a pin-prick in the USA” or something crazy like that.

And so, the rationale follows that the God who created all of these things by merely “speaking them into existence” must be “larger” than all of these things, right? Awesome. Indescribable.

And all that he was saying continued to beg the question….so? Or at least….so what are you intensely trying to say, Louie? (he was sweating, eyes bulging, like a scary gym instructor who wants you to lose 20 pounds before you leave today) So what was the all-encompassing point he was making with all of these incredible facts and pictures?

Something like, “See….God is big enough to handle the things in your life.” I think I liked all the facts/pictures/etc…without him adding this part. God is infinitely awesome…and it’s great, and worship-inducing to realize that.

Now, I can understand that there are times in our lives where we definitely need to hear this “God is bigger” message. We need to know/believe that there is something bigger out there than the stuff we go through. And we’re just a hint selfish enough to hope this “bigger thing” is on “our” side.

But lately, I’ve been reminded by people/things/scripture of how much we unfortunately stop at this point. It makes a great sales pitch, even from the perspective of giving instead of getting. I listen and believe God can handle my life, so I “give it to him”. Then I try harder and harder to make sure I’m “giving it to him”, and that I’m telling people how great it is that God “has my life”…etc.

Thanks to all who contributed to the ability to go “Man-Camping” last night. To the Redden’s, who let us use their random property halfway to Clinton. To Jason, for the sleeping bag that actually zipped. To Noah, for the ride to the camping site, and for a few hours of entertaining fire-time. To the wives who couponed/made cards through the night, while their husbands “manned” it up. And to my campin’ comrades….Jake and Jonah, for sharing the entire experience.

No tent. No utensils. No “site” pre-made. Just hiked into the woods…down Central Illinois’ 1st big hill, and then immediately hiking up Central Illinois’ 2nd hill. At the top…the perfect place.

An evening of chillin’ by the fire, talking about life, books, music; and playing a little music ourselves. Finally we decided it was time to douse the fire…man-style of course.

The evening continued through mosquito’s singin’ in our ears. An owl reminded us of its’ existence proudly at 2am….scaring me more than a little. Just startled though….I’m a man.

Woke up with the sun around 6-ish, and watched/listened as a random very large deer came close to watch us. He sneezed a few times, blew his nose, and walked away.

Restarted the fire (I love doing the “morning after” fire….building the wood…..stoking the coals…..and fueling with just enough oxygen by blowing on it to ignite what’s been built….it’s like Christmas.) and we made some coffee in Jake’s nifty Nalgene contraption (like a camping french-press really).

Came home and untied my shoes for the first time since the day before. Reeking of smoke and sweat (and a lil’ dirty). Learned what a spiny spider was finally now that I’m home, and that they’re not dangerous. But they look stinkin’ cool.