Published by One Sunday morning our pastor talked about the two men on the road to Emmaus. See Luke 24:13 if you are interested in the story. He talked about relationship with Christ. I know he talked of other things but that was what really reached out to me. He cautioned us to not allow this to beat up on us but to look at it as spurring us to reach out and shared that he had some of the same challenges in this area. I was drawn to the scripture in Amos 6, “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion.”
When we stop pressing toward the prize we are at ease in Zion. He left time at the end of the service for people to use to work on the relationship. He and I were leaving about an hour and a half after the normal close time. As we were closing up after service I mentioned to him that I believe most of this lack of relationship is our being complacent. I shared that I have seen this building a relationship as a challenge too and was thinking that I was the only one who was having that challenge because I was seeing others who were not seeming to have a struggle. I am reminded that when a person quits trying to swim, they drown. In one sense it was comforting that someone else did too, but more important that we share with one another to encourage one another.
I also told him I never wanted to feel good that others have this problem because I never want to say “I am good” because I am doing better than others. I do not want to be “the cream of the crap” or even worse, part of it. I want to be the best I can be. God doesn’t mark on a curve. It isn’t being the best in the group, even if I am, but being in line with the holiness God demands. I don’t care if I am the best or worst in the church, in fact if I am lining up with His holiness I wouldn’t have as much concern if I were the worst in the church. I would be more concerned if I were the best and didn’t measure up to his yardstick.
I am reminded of the old song of the church, “Higher Ground”. In particular the third verse speaks to me,
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
Others may chose to dwell where fears and doubts abound. These rise where there is no relationship with Him. I have no desire to be there. But it is a choice, it is a desire to be with him that makes the difference.
Higher Ground
- Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr.
- Music: Charles H. Gabriel
From the Cyber Hymnal
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
Refrain
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
Refrain
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till Heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain
