integration, delight, and renewal

In Genesis God reveals the establishment of His Kingdom. It is one that contains Integration, Delight and Renewal. These are not pipe dreams or goofy notions, but rather where we are headed in part on earth and in full when Christ returns.

Integration sets right the brokenness that pervades since the fall of mankind in the garden. It once again sets in motion the purity and unity of words and action, deeds and decrees.

Delight reminds that God created and recreates with the intent of goodness and freedom. So often I am bound by the laws I put on myself and my perception of how to please God. I often lose sight of God's delight in me, as well as my freedom to delight in and enjoy what is good in His creation. Instead I am enslaved to trying to be perfect in words and thought, or acts of penance to try to regain some sort of perfect status.

Renewal is the source of hope for the believer. God is the God of renewal, and He brings His promises to fruition and loves us perfectly and faithfully.

There are 2 keys to seeing Integration, Delight, and Renewal brought to reality on earth. First, the PEACE of Christ must rule our hearts. We must rest in His promises and find contentment in calling. This true peace brings freedom, and overflows into the lives of other people beautifully.

The other critical factor is the WORD of Christ dwelling in us richly. What a beautiful image, that the Almighty God would choose to live in us and do so gloriously. He does this through His Word, which should be on our hearts, taught diligently to children, spoken about and brought to life when at home, at work, waking up and while preparing for sleep. And it is His Spirit that transforms us through His Word and brings peace.

May God transform my heart and our hearts so that this becomes reality more and more. For His sake and the sake of His kingdom and glory.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:15-17)

from proverbs 16

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the Spirit. Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. (Prov 16:1-9)

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” (v 1)
Man does all he/she can to plan out life: setting goals, networking, finding the right timing. These are not bad things, but they are limited to the flesh. Unless God’s Spirit is powerfully present, they are just the best-laid plans susceptible to optimism and pessimism. They miss out on hope, and true hope reveals the presence of the Holy Spirit. The mouth and tongue are great tools of the LORD.

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the Spirit.” (v 2)
I don’t need much convincing to believe that “I know best”. I can justify all I want and use the best ideologies and scientific methods, but miss out on glorifying God if I neglect my spirit. This is the purpose of confession, of repentance, of renewal: this is God transforming my heart and mind to be more like Christ.

“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” (v 3)
When we rely on Christ and trust in God’s faithfulness, we have a better ability to see God’s work in, around, and through us. It doesn’t remove pain or suffering, but strengthens us to enter into hard things with the only hope that can sustain us.

“The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” (v 4)
Yes, the sovereignty of God must be laid plain. The believer finds rest and true contentment in God’s sovereignty, but knows not to throw this idea around without thought and intentionality. Humility and compassion are vital.

“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” (v 5)
If we take the Bible seriously and live by faith according to His promises, we must see the arrogance of every heart—the flesh—and continuously be moved toward repentance and renewal.

“By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.” (v 6)
Do I rely on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to deal with my iniquity? Do I really believe that my heart needs a Savior, that I have unclean lips and am dressed in filthy rags? Unless I go to these places, my faith is just like self-improvement tactics and trying to be a “good person” who is simply “happy” (and “deserving to be happy”). Salvation comes through a steep cost, and we should pray for hearts to see the extent of our sins even as we ask for His blood to cleanse.

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.” (v 7)
This is the fruit of trusting in Christ, that others begin to experience joy and peace. The Spirit changes hearts. We don’t try to please God simply in order to get along; No, that is much too cheap. We please God because we were made to glorify Him, and in the process we are able to experience miraculous peace through the power of His Spirit.

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” (v 8)
We must always treat others with dignity, love and respect. This is the entry point toward real relationship and opportunities of real mercy and compassion.

“The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (v 9)
This is the source of unity and reconciliation. When believers work together for God’s kingdom work, God produces fruit beyond any human effort or imagination. We must believe that God’s ways are beyond my ways, and only through His power these things are possible.