We are living in an era where Reality TV is shifting our perspective on what is real and what is real drama. I’ll be the first to admit that any reality show that involves cooking or is any kind of race is definitely on my radar. In my mind, I would never make the same mistakes they’re making… and often catch myself rolling my eyes or telling the TV exactly what errors are taking place. If I was on TV, well, I’d be the clear winner. Except. I have no idea what half the dishes they’re making are called, I actually had to throw out flour because it was so old it went rancid, and the only way I make it from point A to point B is because of google maps. Perhaps my reality is somewhat skewed.
We’re learning about the book of Genesis in our women’s bible study and Jen Wilkin, an incredibly gifted teacher/theologian drew our attention to three ways we skew God’s truth:
Add: We create our own additions to the laws. They then became burdensome (The Pharisees were really good at this).
Diminish: ‘As long as I don’t do X then its ok if I do Y.’
Deny: this only works if there’s a willing listener… And the devil sure found that with Eve.
The best definition of sin I’ve come across is that sin takes place when you are ‘missing the mark’. Imagine an arrow being shot at a target and missing it. Whether you miss it by a bit or a lot, you’ve still missed the target. That is the sin. Our aim must always be centred on the target - our Lord Jesus whose death on the cross is the sole reason for our joy in salvation.
What does this have to do with the ‘Reality of God’s Calling’? My friends, you have been called into work/mission where you will constantly be tempted to be pulled away from the truth. Not by your own design… but by a tempter who absolutely wants you to fail. Why? You’re on the front lines defending and preparing for the next generation of believers. Your work matters but the reality is that God’s Calling is hard. But it is not impossible. As eager as the devil wants you to fail, our God has given you everything you need to do his will.
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. ~Psalm 144:1
Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~Ephesians 6:11-13
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33
The Reality of God’s Calling is an awareness of what you’re up against. But that isn’t to cause fear or doubt. Rather, it is to build confidence, awareness and a readiness for what lies ahead.
No, we have Faith Over Fear because indeed, we are Anchored in Reality.