Shadow Missions

Listened to a session from the 2013 New Canaan Society conference in SF by John Ortberg about 'Shadow Missions'. He used the book of Esther as his text and talked about how we can, if we're not careful, be distracted from our godly calling to pursue things that are unworthy of our attention and will not lead to the purposes and fruitfulness for which we were created. In the biblical narrative Haman's shadow mission, according to Ortberg, was 'more'...more wealth, more power, more influence, more recognition. John described his shadow mission as lounging on the couch, watching television shows and engaging in destructive sexual activities.

At first I was having trouble identifying my shadow mission. It's much easier to see the character defects or 'unfruitful works of darkness' (Eph. 5:11) than it is to see our own. But as I pondered it, the Spirit faithfully helped me to zero in on the area where I'm at risk of being drawn offside: the need to be liked and admired. Much of what motivates me and underlies the things that interest me and that I feel drawn to is the desire for recognition. I manage my image through the way I dress, the things I own (or yearn to own), and how I converse with others in order to be noticed and to impress others with how cool I am.

The yearning for significance is, I believe, universal and fundamentally a good thing. It is by God's design. We were created for purpose: to be in an intimate relationship with our Creator. Within the context of that relationship we have been entrusted with a stewardship through which we find significance and abundant life as we invest our unique set of talents and passions in the lives of others and co-manage the portion of God's universe that falls within our God-assigned sphere of influence.

Although it's nice to get props from our fellow human beings (and we are commanded to honor, respect and encourage one another), there is only one person whose acknowledgement is of ultimate and eternal significance: the Lord God Almighty, our Creator and Heavenly Father. It's OK for me to look cool and have cool stuff, but coolness must never take on such importance that it detracts from the things that are most important: to love God, others and myself.

So be it!

Staying On Track

Vacations have typically been times of mixed blessing for me. Although it's always fun to get away from my normal routine and surroundings and experience new environs and meet new people, I've struggled with keeping myself consciously centered in God and led by his Spirit. Instead of coming back enriched and refreshed, I've found myself feeling the need to re-engage in my regular spiritual disciplines and work through some regrets at having allowed myself to stray in my devotion to stay connected to the Spirit.

Today, on the morning of the 4th day of our Boise, Idaho Adventure, I'm feeling blessed and centered in God. I am excited about what God is doing and has in store and am staying faithful to Bible reading and prayer. I also, though tempted, have not given in to my desire to drink. My spirit is in listening mode and excited about what God will reveal and what doors might open to us in preparation for our eventual move to this area. Bless the Lord, oh my soul!