Tension

I suppose there are some things in life you just can't get away from. I wish we could pick and choose like a buffet line and leave all of those high fat and unhealthy things underneath the warming lights. But just as we struggle to select the healthy food items while looking at the choices we also struggle in life to make the spiritually healthy choices. As Christians it would be a wonderful thing to be able to only choose the things that we know are healthy for a Christ Follower and put all of the other attributes down. The tension that exists in doing what is right for God and His people is simply one tension that exists and it only exists for those who are focused on God and His path.

The other great tension is intrinsically tied to the previous issue but revolves around relationships. If we could accomplish step one all of our relationships would be tension free. What I would give to have a tension free life. Some people say it is easy. They might say it is just a matter of controlling your mind. Maybe, but sooner or later it is inescapable. Some say you can retreat to a secluded beach, live off of microwavable burritos and Corona while surfing your days away. This is true and tempting, but to shrink back or retreat away from what I know and the truth I have come to understand would be devastating. While the retreat may be pleasing for a time I know that I am on a crash course life that will end with a face to face, heart to heart encounter with the creator of the universe. I fear that brief sit-down more than the tension I currently live in.

I suppose if you wind up a rope, or say a towel and then unwind it, it now has a little less potential for tension. For another example, I used to put up fence. Metal chain-link fence has a certain tension to it. You stretch it out and tie it off and it stays strong and tight. Take it down and try to put it back up again and you will find that it does not have the same potential for tension.

So, even though there will be moments of tension it is important to find ways where we can release the tension and unwind, allowing our self and the loved ones around us opportunity to enjoy the God given relational joy that He so graciously shared. If we are careful to learn from the moments of tension then I suppose it is also possible to develop a character that is less prone to tension due to ware. In a relational and human perspective we might call that wisdom, or growing in glory.

We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18.