It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. – Psalm 119:71
Blends are a good thing, usually. Polyester and cotton make for a nice garment. And can you say “chocolate and vanilla swirl?”
But the one place a blend does not work is in my spiritual life. God and I do not share authority 50/50, not 75/25, not even 99/1.
For this life following Christ to work, it must be 100% God in control. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” we cannot be 90% dead to self, we cannot be partially crucified. There is no trial version, no co-presidency.
That’s why I’m thankful for suffering, because it empties of myself and gets me closer to zero. That’s the magic number. That’s the place where I live and move and have my being in Him, free from my own desires, free to rest in Him no matter what comes my way.
Believe me, I’m not there yet. I’m not sure what the percentages are, but I know they are not 100% God and 0% for me. But day by day, step by step, as the trials and tests and sufferings of life come my way, I believe He is taking me there.
Destination? Zero. The place where I am nothing, yet I am everything in Him.
Quitting Christianity 
#1 by Erica on February 15, 2011 - 9:35 AM
Great post!
#2 by Mom on February 15, 2011 - 10:47 AM
One of the best yet!!!!
#3 by Mark on February 15, 2011 - 5:02 PM
Haven’t you ever sung that hymn, “I Surrender One-Tenth”?!
#4 by Dave Kirby on February 15, 2011 - 10:40 PM
I’m not sure that’s how we sang it in my church. The problem is that’s how I’ve lived it for most of my life.
#5 by compassiondave on February 15, 2011 - 7:32 PM
‘Destination Zero’ would be a great book title
#6 by Lorraine on February 16, 2011 - 12:02 AM
Awesome! I really should learn from you and write MUCH shorter blog posts 🙂 I’m afraid I get rather long-winded – and this style is much more effective – the content here 100% fabulous. It may be the most difficult concept for us to really grasp – Christ is ALL, we are NOT. sighing at how far I have to go with this, both in understanding and implementing.