Learning How to Die

Ok. So this post was semi inspired by Jon Foreman, but I don't think the point I'm going to make is the same as the point he was trying to make. But still- he got me thinking.

In his song "Learning How to Die" he sings so beautifully:

All along-
Thought I was learning how to take
How to bend not how to break
How to laugh not how to cry


The line that spoke the loudest to me was "How to bend not how to break" 


One of my biggest fears in my life is becoming complacent. I would rather live a life of poverty than a life full of complacency. 
Because the truth is when I am complacent I am going through the motions, 
when I'm complacent I'm empty, 
when I'm complacent I'm careless,
when I'm complacent Christ isn't seen, 
when I'm complacent my soul is dead. 


Bending is a safe way to live my life, and never do I want to play it safe in my faith. When you bend, you have control over the situation knowing full well that you are capable of standing straight on your own. But when you break, only God can put you back together, and he always puts you back stronger than you were before. I want to take risks; I want to jump knowing full well that I will be captured by God. I want to break, and be made new. Over and over and over again. I don't want to stay the same. 


Side note- this message was given to me twice in the past 24 hours... The Branch talked about Faith without works last night, and this same thought pressed on me just now listening to Jon Foreman... I love when God does that to me. I always smile and say "Ok Jesus, I get it." 


"Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts... Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings." James 3:13-17 (The Message)


And so. It's the way I live. Breaking, not bending. Dying to myself. Living for Christ. Taking a step back, and letting Jesus step forward.