Out of the Rut

Actors and actresses arrive on scene to receive a script.  Each script lists conversations, word for word.  Each conversation holds specific detail to which emotion need be expressed while speaking each word.  Scenes accumulate to create a show, play or movie.  Each scene involves different cues so actors and actresses will know proper timing to appear. 

Time must be spent studying each word, emotion, scene and cue for the actor and actress to be successful.  One falter and the scene will not make sense to the viewer.  The acting career places much pressure for perfect performance in order to sell and succeed.  Not to mention the great lengths taken to ‘look perfect’ for the camera. 

Weekly, I receive a schedule from the office manager.  It lists each day of the week and the time frame in which I am to be in the office.  If I fail to arrive on time without warning or a legitimate excuse, disciplinary action would be taken; and understandably so, due to the commitment made in agreeing to work for the office and them accepting me as an employee.  I cannot make up a schedule and assume everyone else would be just fine with it.

Obedience and respect come into play when working amongst others daily.  Showing up on time trickles down to all others involved in the workplace.  The day runs smoother as each individual plays their part in a timely manner.  It takes teamwork to serve and satisfy.  Not to mention grace to encourage and expand. 

Scripts and schedules begin to create our story written by this world.  The details simply fall into place as we show up on time, complete the tasks at hand and provide appropriate emotions to fit the scene.  Each day becomes mundane and our bodies go through the motions.  From alarm off to alarm on, the clock determines our every move.  Slowly, we drift into a sea of faces and become part OF this world.

A rut develops that begins feeling comfortable day in and day out.  I caution you to GET OUT OF THE RUT!  Yes, arriving to work on time keeps from getting fired.  Yes, following the script and providing proper emotions during conversations keeps socializing successful.  But, what if I told you to throw out the routine of each day?  What if I said forget the clock?  What if I asked you to strive for imperfection?

Come to the cross just as you are today!  Lay down the script, routine, emotions, schedules and simply say, “Yes”.  In receiving His script, you will no longer need to worry about memorizing lines, developing proper emotions, arriving on time or working diligently to respond to proper cuing.  You will no longer need to appear perfect on the outside in order to succeed.  You will no longer experience the mundane, going through the motion kind of days. 

Sounds freeing, right?  Well, my dear friend, it is freedom – from this broken world.  We are called to live IN this world, not OF this world.  In doing so, He provides day to day scripts already written out in specific detail.  We need not study ahead, but focus on the current scene with open hands.  He will come and work through us to complete the story, word for word, page after page.  Various cues appear in the form of the Holy Spirit nudging us to move or speak.  To recognize the cues, we must study His Word daily.  Others will see His light shine through our loving heart and proper emotions based on particular scenes as we listen and respond to cues. 

No need for perfect performance for our Father reveals His power through weaknesses.  We need not ‘look perfect’ because our Father created our inmost being paying close attention to each detail so beauty will shine forth as we allow Him into each day. 

We need only to show up each morning, ready to serve.  Obedience keeps us on the right path.  Respect keeps the relationship strong.  Come to the cross just as you are today and throw away routine, clocks and need for perfection.  Living by His script is so much more interesting.  You never know the adventure He will take you on today!  Guess what?  If one day you fail to follow script – His mercies are new each and every morning and His grace covers you.  Repent, learn and move forward with your story.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.