I’ve been thinking a lot about flow lately. A new season of life has me setting new rhythms and mapping out new patterns for my schedule. A colleague mentioned workflow in a recent meeting–brainstorming how to squeeze the most out of each workday. Also, in glad response to the beautiful ways God has cared for friends and counselees in the past few weeks, the Doxology has been ringing in my ears;
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above all heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen.
Likewise, I’ve recently had many conversations about flow–namely, how the wellspring of the Gospel flows into and through the lives of believers. This flow of unmerited love powers the way we approach each day, how we relate to others, and the work of our hearts and hands. This Grace, with a capital G, is a free gift unlike any other. We can’t earn it, improve it, or lose it. We must drink it in.
For many of us, Grace just seems too sweet. We sip at it a bit, appreciating its remarkable flavor, but we’re afraid to chug. To be filled with Grace–to let the wonder of Jesus’ sacrifice transform our hearts and minds, means giving up control. It means giving up the things we do to prove we’re good or lovable to God, others, or ourselves. When these things come from a scorekeeping heart they are, like Israel’s superficial activities, “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). To allow Grace to flow through us, we must stop striving for love, esteem, and attention, and admit we can’t earn anything. Instead, we open up to a growing acceptance of God’s incredible gift.
Jesus had much to say about the flow of love in our lives. He told Nicodemus God’s love motivated the directive of Jesus' life (John 3:16). He told his disciples that the love he would show them on the cross was the deepest, richest love possible (John 15:13) and that they were to show that same type of love to others (John 13:34). He reminded us that he meant everyone, even hard ones, when he said others; “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus provided a wildly specific flow chart.
Sources are vital when it comes to flow. Good works and kindness motivated by insecurity or control do not flow. At best, they’re some kind of mirage. On the other hand, God’s incredible love, given to us through the imputation of Christ’s righteousness at the point of our salvation is an oasis. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s flow of love never dries up. It creates the current of our lives.
The flow of God’s love powers the ministry of Fieldstone Counseling too, filling the hearts of generous givers who financially support it. Would you consider joining them today?
Please contact me at ckershaw@fieldstonecounseling.org for more information, or make a gift directly at the link below. Thank you!
Crystal is a Christ-follower, wife, mother, counselor, and friend. She is passionate about connecting others with the truth of God's miraculous power and sustaining presence.
No comments.