So now that we are ready to embark on the road that leads through fire. What is the way? How do I get to the other side. And what Is the fire?
The fire that I am going through right now is not having any modern comforts such as computer, Ipod, or even electricity sometimes. We are not in a stone age society right now and I could easily go get an Ipod or watch a movie if there is time, but I know that this is right where God needs me so I can listen to what he wants for my life. I have been learning to stop and wait upon the Lord and it has been a very fruitful time. I know that when I do get a computer and stuff in the United States, I will not let it become an idol.
So what do I mean by it being an idol? Well it is so easy to entertain ourselves to death. We don’t like having free time in our schedules and always like being busy. Why are we so afraid of silence? I think it is because in those times we can be lonely. We don’t know how to listen to God and so we feel empty and that is the worst feeling in the world. So we go right back to partying, planning trips, and eat fast food a lot because we are so busy.
So where am I? I am in silence. I am reflecting. I am not busy, but I am not alone. I worship the living God and He comes and meets with me. He helps me through the trials that come every day.
So what are the lessons to be learned in the time of initiation? Rirchard Rhor names five.
1. Life is hard.
2. You are not that important.
3. Your life is not about you.
4. You are not in control.
5. You are going to die.
Whoa! what a hit to our ego! What a proof that we have an ego. I love being in control. Isn’t that what self help books teach us? Always be in control. The way to get ahead is just try harder.
We are all a part of the same race on this planet. We are all humans, but we are always trying to get ahead of our fellow man. Why are we always trying to be in control. The same is true of nations. Why do we go to war? Why do different social groups despise each other? We all want that control and that is intoxicating!
Here is the better way: Service to others. Service to the common good. If you are looking only to better yourself then you are selfish and will become more and more unhappy because you will never be satisfied with whatever you have.
Once these lessons are learned death is not so scary. We have overcome our own ego and entitlements so that we are content. What a peaceful feeling it is to be content. Wher I am right now I don’t need anything else. I am happy where I am at!
Oh yeah, I live two houses down from the neighborhood dump. There are a few sacred cows that walk around here and people don’t really clean up their crap. The house run off water runs along the sides of the streets here and there is trash all in it. So sometimes when we walk down the road, things look and smell disgusting. So how can I say I am content with these conditions? It is because I am finding my validation in my sonship to God. He is my strength. I am not afraid of death because I have already died. But how painful that death is… And the life aftwerwards is worth every second of it.
