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"The good, bad, ugly, Lord use it. I just want You to be glorified through it." -Andy Mineo

Sunday, July 6, 2014

"Post-grad" -> "Life"

Heh, I feel like I've finally "graduated" from college to "young adult" ... not because I just graduated from college or anything but because I finally feel like I've come to a place where I understand that all the things that used to shine super bright and grab all the attention are not what yields maturity so much as the long-term commitment to stick things out, rooted in things that may never get the acclaim/praise that the things in college did.

Saying deep things isn't as valuable as living a life of depth ... being able to articulate deep gospel truths isn't as sanctifying as standing deep in it. Community, church, conflict, confronting my avoidance of conflict. Morally neutral things having too much power and devotion from me.

Post-grad feels normal enough for me now to not have to label it such anymore. It's just life now. And I feel comfortable with that. Finally.

And so, I don't diminish in any way what college taught me about God, His gospel, His Church, His Bible, people, etc. A part of me still has a deep love for the college/university campus that is waiting to be unleashed in a sense. Yet, I recognize that it really is those things that I need most right now. And far from putting things off as simply transitionary, I can now see that there's sacrifice, yes, but immense value to setting roots down in the gospel, in the context of deep community, a challenge towards mission, to the glory of God. In the same way I describe this generation as being so individually "free" to choose what they want, so have I for far too long. If the Bible is true and for our joy in freeing us up for more of God, then the family of God takes precedence of my plans .. and contrary to what culture says, sometimes even my "dreams." I feel like the Bible's way of talking about the church expects this kind of Philippians 2 commitment. It's just the natural tone of Acts right?

Anyway. I know that a year from now I'll think this post is ridiculous for the way it sounds. I know I haven't "arrived yet." Far from it. I think I'm seeing with more perspective just how deceiving sin is, how deceitful the heart is when threatened to have Jesus expose its darkness, etc. But as I near 25, I think it's fitting to recognize that it's not about what gets the headlines so much as it is about faithfulness and a life of daily repentance unto obedience for the sake of my utmost joy and God's utmost glory in my life.

And I guess I do echo what I first learned and felt in college: The truth is that though I initially feared the thought of always feeling like a "sojourner" on this side of heaven, I can vibe a little more with that Biblical word with every little bit of life and joy I experience here on earth. I am a stranger and a sojourner on a specific amount of time given by God as a gift. And I will never, ever feel completely "at home" until I'm taken by God. Yet somehow, it's been interesting to see this "exile" of a life like a fun journey ... where God takes me and places me up front with a great view of what He's doing ... how His story is playing out just like He said it would, through the message and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for His enemies.

I'm still verbose. I don't advise you listen to my preaching. ha. But for some reason He's called me here to plant myself in youth ministry in LA. He knows and I know that I'm more than unworthy to do this. I really don't deserve a title. But here I am, I guess. In the midst of a lot of uncomfortable sanctification. "Still standing."

Because of Christ,
-Jon

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