The tightrope walk of a Christian
There was a report on television about a man in Siberia who withdrew from “earthly life” and went to a monastery. He left his wife and daughter, gave up his small business and devoted himself entirely to the church. The reporter asked him if his wife sometimes visits him. He said no, visits from women were not allowed because they might be tempted. Well, we may think something like that couldn't happen to us. Maybe we wouldn't immediately retreat to a monastery. This story has a similarity to our lives. As Christians we move in two worlds, between earthly and spiritual existence. Our journey of faith is like walking a tightrope.
The dangers of falling too far on one side or the other accompany us on our journey through life. If we slip on one side, we are too earthly-minded; If we slide down the other side, we live too religiously. Either we tend to be religious or we live too secularly. A person who is too focused on the heavenly and just waits for everything to be over often loses the ability to enjoy the beautiful gifts that God has in store. He may think: Hasn't God taught us to distance ourselves from the world because his kingdom is not of this world and because it has fallen? But what is the essence of this world? They are human passions, the pursuit of possessions and power, a life characterized by self-satisfaction and pride. All of this does not come from God, but belongs to the worldly sphere.
The person who is too focused on the heavenly often unconsciously withdraws from the world, neglecting family and friends and devoting himself exclusively to Bible study and meditation. Especially in times when we are not feeling well and are faced with problems, we tend to escape the world. It can be an escape route as we can no longer endure the suffering and injustice around us. Jesus Christ came into this fallen world, humbled himself by becoming human, and suffered a cruel death so that all people might be saved. He came as a light in the darkness to give hope and alleviate suffering.
Although God knew the state of this world, He created so much for humankind to enjoy, such as music, fragrances, food, the people we love, animals, and plants. David praises God's creation: "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" (Ps 8,4–5).
Our mortal bodies, too, are wonderfully created, as David expresses, thanking God for it: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works; I know that full well.” (Ps139,13–14).
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the ability to rejoice and enjoy life. He has endowed us with five senses and with feelings so that we can find joy in life. What dangers do those who are too "earthly" minded face? We probably belong to those who have no trouble connecting with people on an equal footing; we are relationship-oriented beings. Perhaps, however, we tend to compromise in order to please others or not lose a loved one. Perhaps we spend too much time with family and friends and neglect our quiet time with God. Of course, we should help others and be there for them, but we shouldn't encourage their laziness or allow ourselves to be taken advantage of. Even as Christians, we should learn to say "no" and set our priorities correctly. The most important thing is our relationship with God; everything else should be secondary. Jesus makes it clear what he requires of us: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." (Lk 14,26).
Love for God
Our love for God is paramount, but we are also called to love our fellow human beings. So how can we navigate this tightrope walk without falling on one side or the other? The key is balance – and the most balanced person who ever lived was Jesus Christ, the Son of Man. Only through his work within us can we achieve this balance. Jesus said to his disciples shortly before his death: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Joh 15,5)He often withdrew and spent much time in prayer with the Father. He glorified God through his works and healings. He suffered with the suffering and rejoiced with the joyful. He was able to interact with both the rich and the poor.
Longing for new life
Paul reveals his longing: “For this reason we groan and yearn to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” (2. Kor 5,2)Yes, we long to meet our Creator, to be with Him for eternity. We long for the time when all the suffering in this world will be over and God's justice will prevail. We long to be freed from sin and to become more and more the New Human Being.
How would Jesus Christ view the life of the man who abandons his family, runs away from his earthly responsibilities, and seeks his own salvation? How does this fit into the mission God has given us to win people to Him? It can happen to any of us that we neglect our families or other people and devote ourselves only to Bible study. We become alienated from the world and cannot understand people's worries and needs. But we must ask ourselves, how does Jesus Christ want to see our life in this world? What purpose does it serve? We are there to fulfill a mission – to win people for God.
Life Mission
Jesus said to the brothers Simon and Andrew: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt 4,19)Jesus was able to reach people by speaking in parables. He subordinated everything he did to his Father's will. With Jesus' help, we can navigate this balancing act. In everything we do and in every decision we make, we should say, like Jesus Christ: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Lk 22,42)We should also say: Thy will be done!
by Christine Joosten
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