The Mover

Most days it’s Mister Bill‘s feet first on the floor. Although retired for several years, his internal clock still goes off at 5am. I suggest it's worth a pause to consider what we are subordinate to - that is, under whose or what we position ourselves and yield authority. In the animal kingdom, there’s an alpha (dominant) male that out-ranks by its feat of courage and strength. I’ll be the first to admit how inadequately manage my life; while my calendar may help orchestrate the physical logistics of life, it does nothing for the spiritual. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4).  Jesus’ use of a vine and its branches clearly illustrates the foolishness of His disciples' attempts to live outside the Authority and Sufficiency of Christ. The stress and strain of striving to maintain a heart of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - all fruits of His Spirit … not mine (Galatians 5:22-23)! Ultimately, it was God Who first moved us toward Himself: even when we were dead in our sin, Christ made us alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5). He moved first to redeem (save, justify) us and is evermore by His Power enabling us to live pleasing to Him. The Puritan said, “Thou dost not move men like stones, but dost endure them with life, not to enable them to move without Thee, but in submission to Thee, the first mover.” I'm glad there's no trophies earned here for first feet-on-the-floor! In contrast, what rewards there are for surrender to The Father Who loved me first and sustains me day-by-day. He is ... The Mover.