This essay appears as the commentary to the April 18th post in Consuming Fire, the daily devotional version of George MacDonald's Unspoken Sermons.
"The Lord knows what they need; they know only what they want. They want ease; he knows they need purity."
- Hope of the Gospel, George MacDonald
For those who have received and believe the words of the Gospel, one of the greatest sources of regular self-disappointment is the frustration of losing perspective. Alas: we hear the words, we feel the spirit, we commit our minds and hearts to following His will - and then, some time later, we come to our senses and realize we have been drifting about in reaction to our worldly cares, our bodily desires, and the actions of our neighbors. Again.
"Perhaps the greater part of the energy of this world's life goes forth in the endeavour to rid itself of discomfort."
- Hope of the Gospel, George MacDonald
Yes, we desire ease - to not be burdened with the physical needs of this life, to have our weaknesses - our personal thorns removed straight-away, to have only lovely and loving people to interact with. We "know" that God has put us in the schoolhouse of life to learn, grow, become. Yet we wish to skip the process and have it given to us.
Christ came to reveal the Father. He magnificently lived his life to that end. Perhaps it is the seeming simplicity of the message and commands that make us impatient, and cause us to lose our vigilance (and focus).
"To the loving soul alone does the Father reveal Himself; for love alone can understand Him. It is the peace-makers who are His children."
- Hope of the Gospel, George MacDonald
Our part is to focus on love - to pray daily for and work diligently for greater capacity for love. Our part is to meet the day by doing the duty of service to our neighbor that first comes in our way. Christ's yoke is easy - we have learned that - in practice - again and again, why do we forget? "Whoever is diligent will soon be cheerful".
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
- Philippians 4:13
My prayer today is to be strengthened in holding my perspective, my focus, my true understanding, my diligence.