When times get bad it is so easy to remind ourselves, to pray, to encourage others to "Just lean on Jesus." But given the state of the church today I wonder if we really know what it means to lean, how to lean, or what "leaning" even looks like. If we could answer those questions in the affirmative it seems to me there would be less strife in the church, Christian families, and in society. So just what does leaning on Jesus look like? I am glad you asked because I would like to take a stab at the answer.
We have all seen a shovel leaning against a tree, or a three old child leaning against mom in the
Wal-Mart isle. Its all about support, not falling over, staying upright with the help of someone or something. But for us leaning also requires admitting a need, giving in to weakness, confessing an inability to go it alone; all things we are usually reluctant to do. We are raised to stand on our own two feet, no pain no gain, and not letting on to anyone we might need a helping hand. These are all good qualities to learn, but by the time we reach adulthood I think quite often they have morphed into pride and stubbornness.
So, even though we sing the familiar words and hum the comforting tune of, "Leaning, leaning," I think we also, at the same time, let a little bit of that stubbornness seep into our thoughts and once the song is over we continue on our own merry way. "Yeah, God, I know you are there, but really, I've got this one. Thanks for being there though."
And God kindly answers, "Okay. Come back when you're ready. I'll be here."
So leaning on the everlasting arms requires humility and honesty and looks like two friends walking down the street together, working side by side, sharing a load, and accomplishing a great task together. It has nothing to do with admitting weakness or exposing an inability. Leaning is just two friends getting through life together.
God is the BFF of BFFs. Lean on him every day. That's all he asks.
As always, in Christ, David M. Cornell
GOD MOMENTS
We have all seen a shovel leaning against a tree, or a three old child leaning against mom in the
Wal-Mart isle. Its all about support, not falling over, staying upright with the help of someone or something. But for us leaning also requires admitting a need, giving in to weakness, confessing an inability to go it alone; all things we are usually reluctant to do. We are raised to stand on our own two feet, no pain no gain, and not letting on to anyone we might need a helping hand. These are all good qualities to learn, but by the time we reach adulthood I think quite often they have morphed into pride and stubbornness.
So, even though we sing the familiar words and hum the comforting tune of, "Leaning, leaning," I think we also, at the same time, let a little bit of that stubbornness seep into our thoughts and once the song is over we continue on our own merry way. "Yeah, God, I know you are there, but really, I've got this one. Thanks for being there though."
And God kindly answers, "Okay. Come back when you're ready. I'll be here."
So leaning on the everlasting arms requires humility and honesty and looks like two friends walking down the street together, working side by side, sharing a load, and accomplishing a great task together. It has nothing to do with admitting weakness or exposing an inability. Leaning is just two friends getting through life together.
God is the BFF of BFFs. Lean on him every day. That's all he asks.
As always, in Christ, David M. Cornell
GOD MOMENTS
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