I found myself frustrated with my kitchen this past weekend. I spend a lot of time there and it is small, by some standards tiny. A day doesn’t pass that I don’t try to find a way to use the space more effectively. This is where I run into trouble… There is a cabinet that hangs directly above my stove and it is the bane of my culinary existence… let me explain.
This cabinet is where I store my baking supplies – flour, sugar, baking soda, cornmeal… you get the idea. The big ticket items are in canisters -and herein lies the problem. Round vessels in very angular spaces. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find square canisters? Believe me, I’ve been looking for something to fit snuggly into my cabinets and it just seems impossible… never mind that I do tend to be a bit picky…
More and more I find a lot in common with those canisters. I am a round vessel in a 90 degree angle kind of world. As a believer I find fewer spaces where I fit. What God has called me to be, how He has made me and how He wants me to live, all make me into a unique creature. But, it means living as a being that doesn’t belong anywhere, it seems.
Often I find myself trying to figure out how to be a part of this earth- if I could just be a bit more square. Surely it would be more comfortable, an easier life. Then I could excuse the idolatry in my heart when I choose to worship something above Him. There are multitudes of things I find easier to put first ; I’m too embarrassed to even admit them all. I wouldn’t need to forgive those who wrong me, or ask for forgiveness when I’ve wronged someone else. Let me just wallow in bitterness – that is far more comfortable. There wouldn’t be any use in holding my tongue when I feel like gossiping, or lashing out. No self control needed, just all the shopping and eating I want…
But this is not what the Heavenly Father desires…
In fact, the life I’ve chosen, of following Christ means being more like Him. Moving towards Him means stepping farther and farther away from the easier, more comfortable earthly kind of life. The more He changes me into the vessel He is creating, the less likely I am to fit into the surroundings of this world.
Titus 2:11-14 says:
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Becoming His creation is beyond anything anyone could possibly offer in this world. This alone brings hope; its a far better hope; its a heavenly hope that someday I will be with Him. It will be a place that fits perfectly for those who are His new creation. I can’t help but be encouraged by the words from Titus! I can go on living a curvy, round life in an angular world.
daily portion 