Living Life, Hands Down

Posted on July 13, 2007
Filed Under Ministry, Responsibility, Trusting God, Goals, Fulfillment, Faith, Transparency, Freedom, Courage |

I’m taking a class called Jesus the Master, and for the first time hearing things about Christ in a new way. One of the missions of the class is to inspire its students to become Disciples of Christ in the same way the disciples of Jesus’ time did. Our home work includes reading scripture about Jesus. Oh yeah, first we pray and meditate, then read the scripture, then pray and meditate again. It is our intention to be transformed in by the power of God in the way Christ was transformed. In this time of terrorism, high alerts, and war, I am reminded of Jesus’ command to offer the other cheek or him admonishing us to agree with our adversaries quickly and let them pass. Jesus’ undefended life astounds me and calls me to question my spiritual walk. What does it mean to live undefended the way Christ did? As I watch the political candidates and leaders, those who are Christians especially, I’m curious what living undefended and loving your enemies means to them. But that is just a rhetorical question; it’s my own life that I have power in. For me, living undefended means true freedom. As I read scripture, I’ve noticed Jesus never blamed others, defended himself, his mission, his actions or his words. I’m left wondering, what is this and can I live this way? What does it take on the inside to live this way outwardly? I can find moments in each day where I have attacking or defensive thoughts. Just a few minutes driving and I’ve used at least three harsh words towards someone whose driving I don’t like. Let’s not mention being defensive, I’m constantly defending my actions in my head. And the occasions where my husband questions something I’ve done, I fire off like a rocket to defend and protect myself, or even blame him in return.

Only once in my life have I found this undefended, unconditionally loving spirit of Christ within me. A beloved family member was expressing her anger at something I’d done that she and many other disagreed with. Deep within me I knew I’d done what God had directed me to do. I also knew the choice I was making would change the dynamic in our family forever, and it might leave me outside the parameters of goodwill. The choice I made was worth the risk and I made it because I had to. If I chose to keep the peace I knew I would suffer a greater consequence later. As I listened to her sharing her anger, my only reply was “I understand.” Maybe this is how Jesus walked this planet undefended. In the face of danger, he continued to show up and give himself fully and lovingly. Like me, He was doing what he had to do, what his heart and soul demanded of him. Anything less would render him inauthentic and untrue to the principles by which he lived his life. This type of walk is not for the fainthearted, but the courageous.

What would it take for you to live this way? Or are you already living this way? Take a moment and share your stories of living undefended with us, we’d like to hear how Christ is alive in you, because you’ve said yes to being transformed. Peace and Blessings, Monique Ruffin-James