How to Live into Jesus’ “Good Life” Amid Paradox and Tension
I wrote this blog from my trailer. We parked our trailer among other trailers at Pinecrest, the Missouri District of the Nazarene’s premier campground. I’m enjoying the peaceful setting and beautiful scenery.
However, I am drinking coffee out of my Trinity Pines Camp mug. In case you don’t know, Trinity Pines is the premier campground for the Intermountain District of the Nazarene in Cascade, Idaho. Yesterday morning I realized the irony of my mug choice compared to my surroundings.
Paradox and Tension
I considered the idea that it perfectly reflects our current circumstance. Both my sweet Pastor husband and I carry with us so much connected to Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. We have family, friends, traditions, and memories fully anchored where we previously lived. The people, places, and experiences in the Northwest shaped us into who we are today.
God has called us to invest in a new place, with new friends, new traditions, and new experiences. I have already met the most wonderful and supportive people. New friends that my Idaho/Oregon friends would absolutely love. Even though I am able to list all the benefits and joys I currently experience here at Pinecrest, my heart aches for what I miss.
Kingdom Focus
God, in His wisdom, directed me to study the Sermon on the Mount with the aid of the Bible Project videos and podcast. Daily, He reminds my heart this world is not my home. He calls me to focus on His Kingdom.
For years, I read the Beatitudes and believed the nine descriptions were a list of behaviors and attitudes I needed to perfect. The creators and theologians at The Bible Project teach me to view Jesus’ words in Matthew five with fresh understanding. God used my musings about my mug combined with my view out my trailer window to reveal truth about the Kingdom of Heaven He talks about in His Sermon on the Mount.
God pointed out to me my mug reflects the things of this world I attempt to hold on to. He then revealed to me the view out my window represents the good life He planned for me and my sweet Pastor husband. All of us live within the tension of what we hold in our hands, and we label good, versus what God wants us to step toward. As my sweet Pastor husband often says, when we say yes to something, we also say no to something else.
The Good Life
As I now read the first part of Matthew 5, I envision God’s call to something greater than what we see as significant in this world. At some point, all of us limit God as we craft an ideal life on this earth. We may become too involved in creating a perfect home. Some of us center all our energy to establish a successful career. Others focus on a life filled with adventure and exploration.
Allow me to remind you, none of these avenues are inherently evil. However, when we lose sight of Jesus’ mission and see only what we want to achieve, we miss the Good Life Jesus intends for us.
All About Relationship
As I study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, my number one take away is relationship. God aches for a relationship with each of us. His number one desire is to welcome us into His presence and allow us to know Him in the fullness of His glory.
As we build our relationship with Christ, He challenges us to build relationship with others. God Almighty entrusts us with the privilege of leading others to build an intimate relationship with their creator King. Together, we assist Jesus in building His Kingdom here on earth.
God With Us
Amid the upheaval of moving 1500 plus miles, God reminds me I must see Him, know Him, and experience Him. I must choose to focus on my relationship with Jesus Christ above all else. He has so much He wants to teach me, reveal to me, and offer me. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. God is my home.
I am amazed each time I turn my face and see Christ around me. He faithfully shows up. I probably shouldn’t be amazed; however, Jesus’ desire to love me well holds me in wonder.
God is Faithful
The Creator of the universe continually presents me with treasures that build our relationship. For example, He offers opportunities for deep conversation with my sweet Pastor husband. He gifts me new friends who are eager to know me well. In addition, He blessed us with a basket of cards from friends who have loved us well for 18 years. He repeatedly speaks peace to my heart over the sale of one house, and the purchase of another. He comforts me as I grieve and provides songs and scripture that remind me of His great faithfulness.
God is Emmanuel; He is with me and my sweet Pastor husband. We have said we are on an Adventure, and we are. We experience days when the trail is difficult. However, though we experience incredible storms, God sends colorful rainbows that remind us of truth.
My journey is different from yours. Our God is the same. He longs for a relationship with you where your focus is on Him alone. He desires you to set aside whatever you are holding onto too tightly, look out the window, and see what He offers you. You can experience glory, comfort, hope, fulfillment, and peace. You find all you need for the Good Life in His presence. Guaranteed.
Photo of my Trinity Pines mug at Pinecrest Campground and Conference Center
