Our fearless foursome had been transported over land, sea, and air from one Greek map dot to another. It had been a glorious week of capturing picturesque scenery, savoring Mediterranean cuisine, and soaking up Greek culture. However, our vacation was over, and it was time to return home.
As we stood in the TSA line, I laughed to myself, thinking how we resembled cattle being shuttled through a maze for vaccinations. Our hearts were full, yet our bodies felt the weight of the many miles we had walked on hilly streets paved with uneven stones. I decided to pass the time in line by doing what I love – people-watching.
I tried sharing a smile with my fellow travelers, but none seemed interested in reciprocating. Everyone seemed either weary or worried. The scrutiny of security, combined with all the uniforms and badges, has a way of putting one on edge. There are posted rules about what items are allowed, what clothing or shoes must be removed, and what to put in each bin before they are rolled through the scanner. The TSA line is no place to rest or let your guard down, much less enjoy the process. The thought of being singled out, reprimanded, or detained has a way of flipping a smile upside down.
But then … once everyone enters their designated gate on time, they begin to relax. They grab a cup of their favorite coffee and a snack, sit back, and relax. They might breeze through the many high-end shops to see what is available in this carefree environment. Polite conversations begin between strangers, and smiles are more frequent. Ruffled emotions soon unfurl. There is a significant difference in the heartbeats of those in the TSA line and those who lounge at the gate.
As I considered the differences in the two environments, I couldn’t help but contrast living in a world of religious dos and don’ts with one based on the “unforced rhythms of grace”. I have lived in both worlds and learned that Jesus was never meant to be viewed as a badge-carrying, uniformed officer who withheld His stamp of approval on our heavenly passports simply because we broke a rule. Instead, Jesus is the One who says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG) This is the kind of friend I want to spend time with and try not to disappoint.
By coming to Jesus, we can enter through His gate, relax in His presence, and know that our destination is secure. Are there still things He requires of us? Certainly! But do we have to be perfect? Of course not. If we could live perfect lives, we wouldn’t need Jesus’ Spirit living in us. He scans our hearts and teaches us what we need to put in and what needs throwing out. In this kind of relationship, we can confidently pray, “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong — then guide me on the road to eternal life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 MSG)
The more the Spirit reveals what needs to be changed, the more we will want to change. The more we change, the more we recognize His high-end blessings being poured over us. As our ruffled emotions unfurl, we begin to see people the way Jesus sees them, and we give them the same grace we have been given. Walking away from the long line of religion and relaxing in our friendship with God causes our hearts to beat slower and stronger. Better still, our smiles turn right side up!
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)
