The lady had recently made a personal commitment to Christ. The change in her life was real - indeed, in some ways dramatic. It was a joy to see her zeal and enthusiasm.
As with all true converts, life at this point takes on a new sense of meaning and direction as Christ becomes central to one's life, values are reoriented, new relationships created, etc. At the same time one's life of faith typically tends to reflect his or her essential being and personality - albeit within the framework of the new reality.
Sue (not her real name) was of an orderly, systematic mentality. When it came to planting her garden, for example, she didn't just have the plot plowed and then sow beans, peas and squash. It was all organized and outlined in detail before a single seed was bought or the first foot of soil turned. The tendency carried over into matters of faith as well. This or that issue was to be approached in this or that particular fashion with this or that anticipated result, etc.
Since enthusiasm requires guidance, we sought to gently address the matter with her. The conversation was somewhat along these lines: "Sue, the life of faith is more than merely developing formulaic patterns of behavior and understanding. It is, first of all, a reality of union with Christ and the subsequent outliving of his indwelling presence by agency of the Holy Spirit. It is more than formulaic routines." Her immediate response was, "Oh, I see! The first point is: 'Avoid getting caught up in routines.'"
At this point one can little avoid being reminded of Stan Freeburg's long since past parody of Lawrence Welk in which, the bubble machine having wildly malfunctioned, Welk is being carried out to sea in a flood of bubbles - his voice fading into the distance with the repeated, plaintive cry of "Helpa!"
It is sometimes easy to lose sight of the fundamentals from a multiplicity of distractions. We all do well to reflect on the fact from time to time.
Burl Ratzsch
