Our pastor says that we have spiritual lockjaw. When an opportunity comes to speak about the things of God in a non-church setting, we clam up. I was thinking about this the other day when, predictably, the phone rang. And I did it. I stopped short of what I might have said had I been in church or with a believing friend. I measured my words so that they became palatable. When it came time to show my love for Christ, I took a step back, lowered my head, and blushed.
And I remembered...
Mary took a pint of nard and poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of perfume.--John 12:3
Mary did not measure the perfume she used. She did not stop short of extravagant love in wiping Jesus' feet. She didn't think first of what the others present in that room might think or how they would receive her actions. Neither did she do it to poke them, to remind them of their own failings.
She simply loved her Lord. She could do nothing less.
We are taught how to talk to people about Christ. We are given phrases, even whole scripts with proofs and logical argument. We are told to prepare our testimony so that we will know what to say when we have an opportunity.
I am beginning to think that we have got it backward. Spiritual lockjaw is not an obstacle to be overcome. It is the result of shallow love.
I know this because of my love for my husband. When we walk into a room, I am proud to walk visibly beside him, to hold his hand, to praise him, even to embrace him if the opportunity presents itself. I do not think twice about this. It is pure joy. I never measure its cost.
When I measure the cost of my love for Christ, I do so because my love for Him love lacks depth.
I say that Jesus is my Lord, my life, my deepest love. I really do say this. But, in the clinch, I don't act like it.
I must come to Christ without artifice, just loving Him out of the richness of our intimacy, an intimacy even deeper than that I share with my husband. If this love, this intimacy, exists in private, I will not measure it in public. Its fragrance will fill every room I enter, every situation He brings.
In the end, I lack not the courage to testify about my God. I lack a love true enough and deep enough to banish the idea that expressing love for my God takes any courage at all.
After he returned from his adventures, Ulysses sat by his still hearth wondering what to do next. Getting older includes reflection upon life lessons we've learned and discernment about what comes next, but life is meant to be lived. We have become wiser than we think and we are meant to use the wisdom we've gained. Whether philosophy or observation, discovery or poetry, this is a depository not only for passive thought or memory, but a springboard for action. Life is more than breathing.
Thank you for sharing your heart! this is right on!! brilliant- I haven't thought of it quite this way - I don't think I hold back on showing my love for Christ- then, reading this, I realize that in certain company I do "measure my words" - my thought isn't because I'm ashamed of loving God, but to keep from ostracizing others - trying to "break them in easy" may just be hindering them from seeing what the true love for Christ is really all about! I'm in a situation where I'm surrounded mostly by non-Christians (which is good- they need Jesus) but I want you to know I'll be praying about this - God wanted me to read it today.
ReplyDeleteBless you as you pray and witness in your particular mission field. I just keep hoping I will reach the level of love that will make these considerations unnecessary, that I will just plain love my Lord, in all places, with the glory He is so richly due.
DeleteWow, this is really an awesome post. I think as a Christian we all have times in our lives where our focus is off and we need to reevaluate our priorities. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of always keeping God first and foremost in my life. I stumbled upon your blog by linking up today. Such a blessing!!!
ReplyDeletewww.questofthenocturnalbaker.blogspot.com
It is so much easier to focus on doing for God rather than just on God Himself. So glad you stopped by.
DeleteSuch profound truth. I am convicted. My private thoughts and praise for God also need to be my public convictions, not just in the presence of church folks, but to everyone I encounter.
ReplyDeleteI was able to see this in action today at the dr. office. There was a woman talking about the persecuted Christians. She was not pushy but stated very clearly that she was ready for eternity. It was beautiful to witness and I watched as others spoke of the truth because of her openness. This is a post all Christians need to read.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it beautiful when it just happens out of the overflow of someone's heart? It smells just like the perfume.
Delete"Spiritual lockjaw." Fabulous term!
ReplyDeleteI'll tell my pastor that you like it. It does sum it all up rather succinctly, doesn't it?
DeleteHi Mrs P, great way to look at our ability or inability to stand tall for Christ. How much do we really love Him? Great post and thanks for linking up on Winsome Wednesday. Look forward to seeing you there next week!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
I think this is something we all need to think about. I never thought of it as lockjaw, but that is a good description. I can remember my mother telling me about lockjaw when I was a little kid and I always hoped it would never happen to me. I'm afraid it did happen many times and I was unaware of it. Thank you for this great reminder.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
I have been guilty of spiritual lockjaw. Your last paragraph certainly makes me pause and reflect.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
There is so much truth here. In my own life, the deeper I fall in love with God, the more His words flow freely from my heart and spill out through my words. Not always...sometimes, lockjaw sets in...but when I do speak of Him and for Him, the words come easily and naturally and I know it is God speaking through me.
ReplyDeleteThen you are already realizing what some of the rest of us are still learning. The Lord must smile.
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