I get to be here



It didn’t bother me the first time. The third time? No big deal. But now (what was it, like trip number 28?) my fermented attitude was about as chipper as orange soda missing its fizz. Why do I have to take out my roommate’s garbage again? Why doesn’t she ever clean the sink? Why…why…

I flung the white trash bag over the rim of the green dumpster. I nodded approvingly as it neatly slumped into place among its other grumpy compatriots. There. Maybe I won’t have to worry about it overflowing in our bathroom for a few days.

I crunched on through the muddied snow, mentally cataloging my list of grievances, when my typewriter jammed. Wait a sec.
 
I get to do this.

I swigged some steamy coffee from my travel mug and nearly choked. The photos plastered on the mug were of my family and my friends. There was so much laughter and love in those memories. Did I deserve that? Absolutely not. Did I deserve to be healthy enough to walk to class? Nope.

Actually, I deserve hell. Yet Jesus Christ loved me enough to take my punishment, paying my way so I could have eternal life for free. And not only do I possess the promise of eternal life in the future (1 John 2:25), I can have abundant life now (John 10:10)—God is that good! I have been given everything I could ever need and then some. That alone is enough to throw my complaints out with the trash forever.

What about you? Maybe you feel used, unwanted, or crushed by others. The raw truth of life is that by nature, people selfishly use each other. But the cool thing is: in Christ, that can be viewed as a privilege. After all, that is why God saves us and leaves us here—to be used! So not only can I deal with a roommate’s absurd decorations or emotional outbursts, I can give thanks for them and throw in a cup of hot tea as a bonus.   

“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”
                                                                                – Jesus (Luke 6:35-36)

Comments

  1. KateFebruary 21, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    Thank you, Allison! How often I get into the rut of looking to others for fulfillment and happiness when it is Christ, not them, that holds the key to the abundant life. When my perspective is turned back on Christ and I am satisfied in Him, it does not stop there. As soon as I am filled up, I am to be poured back out in service for those around me. Praise the Lord that He gives us the grace and strength to do that!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Allison BessFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:00 AM

    Amen to that, sister! We are only channels. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. ReeBeccaFebruary 25, 2013 at 4:10 PM

    WOW... I have been thinking a lot recently of the way I react to little things that seem to be injustices. Our position and inheritance in Christ is so abundant and rich, yet we "cry" readily when we feel used and abused. I'm so convicted! Thanks for the eternal perspective. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Allison BessFebruary 27, 2013 at 8:12 PM

    Same here, Becca! It's all in our perspective and what we decide is real. I'm so thankful for the security found in Christ!

    ReplyDelete

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