Articles
Being a Child of God: I'm Not Invulnerable
Superman is bullet-proof.
A knight in shining armor can resist any foe.
These are pictures that are very clear in our minds. Maybe as a young child, you played as Superman or a knight vanquishing your enemies, clearly recognizing--in our myths & folktales--the good guys always win.
If you’re like me--no longer a child and more jaded than I’d like to be--even as I wrote those statements above, I thought of the counter-argument. “Superman falls to kryptontite, and the invention of the longbow easily counters the strong armor of a knight.” Why is that our first thought? Why are we so quick to pick apart another’s defenses?
No one likes to be completely vulnerable. Some--like me--love our freedoms in this nation and identify closely with the pioneering, rugged individualism that characterized the founding and development of these United States. God has given me enough tenacity and talent to learn that there are a great many things I can accomplish without having to ask anyone for help. But that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story.
I find it very easy to make connections with people--but only superficially. I’m happy to ask questions, but not quick to answer. When it comes to feelings, I hardly have the words to express what is going on in my head or heart. But even that misses a huge area--the temptations or struggles I face are even more difficult to discuss.
IT SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY!
Children of God are family. Certainly, the world’s concept of family is quite broken, but we need to attain to the ideal. We are to not just rejoice with the rejoicing, but weep with the sorrowful. Christians are to bear one another’s burdens. That’s not just “how can I help someone else.” It’s a two-way street! In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul reminds the brethren how open and giving Paul and those with him were... how much they endured together. Then in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 Paul tells them they are restrained in their own affections, so “widen your hearts also,” is the appeal he makes of them.
I don’t know your background or struggles. I don’t even know those for the majority of the brethren at the West Mason church where we have been assembling a little over a year. It does make some sense: it is a daunting prospect to stand before a couple hundred people and lead in worship. How much more to stand before that assembly and confess a fault!
Remember, beloved, Paul’s encouragement in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. You have done some grievous things in God’s sight. But you were washed, sanctified, and made right in the sight of God for and because of Jesus! Paul didn’t write those words to just a few, but the entire congregation of Corinth. In the same way, these words are for all who have a heart to listen. Your brethren may look like they have it together, but they have many struggles as you do. They may be the same, or maybe the temptation is different. We need to all share the load. Certainly we cast our cares on Jesus, and maybe we don’t share our challenges with everyone, but you must find some to work with making it through this life.
I’m not invulnerable; neither are you. God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will and bring His light to the world.
Superman has a weakness, but it doesn’t stop him from accomplishing great things. He was always able to reach even greater heights working closely with his trusted friends.
You may not save the world from calamity, but by being honest and vulnerable, you can show God’s love to your family, your community, and your brethren. When you do that good work, you have the opportunity to bring many to the kingdom of God. That is work worthy of any superman! That is the work of a child of God!
