Have you considered how much mystery is part of life? In fact, mystery seems to be woven into human DNA. From biggest life events to smallest details – there’s a sense of mystery wrapped in – as life unfolds. Equally, there’s mystery in your relationship with God.
What a fascinating concept to explore!
Mystery Is Part Of Life
The more aware you are of mystery all round you, the more critical it is to engage an Alive and Active Life purpose.
Interestingly, mystery gets you through a lot. Often, even during daily drudgery and struggles.
Actually, to ignore mystery is to tamp down faith and limit what you receive from your Heavenly Father.
Deceive Yourself?
Sadly, it’s easier to deceive yourself into thinking you have control – than to accept the idea of mystery at the edges of your understanding.
Subsequently, that approach limits –
- Knowledge of yourself.
- Your experiences.
- Relationships.
- Understanding your purpose.
- Even hidden elements of your life – those things you just can’t quite put your finger on.
In essence, not being open to mystery means missing huge portions of reality.
Rather, if you open to mystery, you invite a quiet joy of what is actually present, though perhaps not understood or seen.
Frankly, it’s healthy to accept the “unfinished processes” of life.
Lack Of Mystery In Life
Interestingly, there’s a case to be made about a lack of mystery in life. Sadly, this seems to have plagued individuals, as well as current cultures around the globe.
“The lack of mystery in our modern life is our downfall and our poverty.” (“God Is In The Manger,” Deitrich Bonhoeffer) Great quote, don’t you think?
Perhaps it just feels too uncomfortable to “not be in control” of everything.
Oddly, the domain of unknowns, beyond your comprehension – the mysteries – are critical to be a healthy person.
The Mystery Of Christ
Paul wrote a number of times about mystery.
Eph. 1:9
“He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ . . .”
Eph. 3:4
“. . . you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ . . .”
Col. 1:27
“. . . God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Col. 2:2
“. . . encouraged in heart and united in love, [to have] full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ . . .”
Basically, Paul is saying, the mystery of –
- God’s Will – purposed in Christ.
- Christ, Himself.
- Christ in you.
- God, namely – The Christ.
Do you notice the common theme? Interestingly, God puts Jesus Christ at the center of mystery.
Consequently, wisdom puts Christ at the center of your life to balance you in all the unknowns you must navigate and manage.
Poverty
We featured a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Now, let’s look at how he uses the word “poverty” to describe the lack of mystery in modern times. Basically, he says it’s a “correctable fault.” In other words, blessed is the person who recognizes their own individual power to correct the “poverty of [their] soul.”
Remarkably, the mysteries of God open a life of opportunity – to explore God and His ways. Subsequently, this is the very path that corrects the “poverty of soul” we mentioned. Thankfully, this is also something you have control over.
More specifically, it’s something you can do.
Path Of Correction
This path of “correction” is not a threat. Rather, it’s a privilege. Plus, it’s an adventure. However, this pursuit requires a humble, resolved heart.
Actually, this path of mystery is filled with discovery. Consequently, only on this path can you dip your fingers (and life) into:
- Adventure.
- Holiness.
- Discovery.
- Deepening relationship with Christ.
- Healthier relationships with others.
- Influence in your home, with family and friends, and even globally.
Notice, the idea of deepening relationship with Christ – who makes God’s mysteries tangible.
- Not a threat.
- Privilege.
- Adventure.
- Humble, resolved heart.
- Discovery.
So, now let’s look at how to explore the mysteries in Christ.
1. God’s Tangible Word
The Word became flesh. God’s very essence opens to you through Christ. The Living Word, Jesus, introduces “miracle” – “mystery” into your daily living.
In the Written Word, you learn increasingly how to live, how to please God, how to be healthy, what to avoid.
So, get into God’s Word every day!
2. Perspective And Wonder
When you get into Scripture, it’s like getting into the boat with Jesus. Frankly, there’s no safer place. His confidence and peace become yours if you claim them.
Life storms are usually not expected, though you know they’ll come. When they hit – they rock, throw, unnerve, and threaten to undo you.
Stay with Jesus. He is in your craft. Truthfully, you are in His craft. Any time you find yourself alone in your own craft again – in a moment of time, you can step from your boat back into His.
He’s right there, holding out His hand, saying, “Come!”
3. Think Like An Archer
If you stay in Christ, alert to hear Him, your aim into any situation will be a good shot, even though you may not be able to see the target. You may even lose sight of your arrow as it travels into a life storm.
Remain in faith. Make your goal to please Christ. If necessary, He will bend the direction of your faith shot so it will land. It’s remarkable!
“With man these things are impossible. With God, all things are possible!” (Mk. 10:27)
Isn’t this amazing?!
4. Partnership With Jesus
The partnership between you and God is critical to accept mystery in life. Just being invited to partner with Jesus is a mystery.
Christ’s life is the ultimate example of mystery. Remarkably, He wants to share His life with you. Of course, this means you must receive His mystery.
Quite literally, reverence for Christ nurtures transformation of your heart. So, simply accept His mysteries.
Subsequently, Christ is the key to mystery for your life.
All Of You
In order to experience benefits of life’s mystery, you need to “Be All-In.”
What does it look like to be all-in?
First, accept reality. Conversely, don’t try to change reality. You can’t change “what is!”
Now, I’m not talking about areas you do have control over and must manage. Rather, I’m referring to a reality you don’t have control over. God controls that.
Of course, to live in God’s mystery – be “all-in.”
- Body.
- Mind.
- Spirit.
- Personality.
- Skill sets.
- Experience.
Indeed, all of you.
Further, it takes flexibility and resolve. Because life has so many unknowns, flex with things as they develop. Yet, remain resolved to do the right thing(s) that must be done.
Consequently, it takes all of you to live an Alive and Active Life.
Your Life Is Given To You
“My Utmost For His Highest” (Apr. 28) includes an interesting Scripture.
“I will give you your life as a prize [for a prey – in all life conflicts] in all places to which you may go.” (Jer. 45:5)
Remarkably, God is giving you your very life as your prize! So, be utterly careful how you manage your life.
Consider things like –
- What you think, say and do.
- How you spend time, money, energy.
- How you use your free will.
- Even, how you manage your relationships.
Essentially, God gives you lots of control to manage your life. Strategically, this means applying principles of God’s Word in every circumstance to get best results.
Incredibly, Chambers also says – Your “life for a prey means – wherever you may go, even if it is into hell, you will come out with your life. . . “ Basically, wherever you take your life, you will have your life. So, make good decisions to take your life into good places.
Chambers also references – “. . . your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Col.3:3) “Abandon means to refuse yourself the luxury of asking any questions. If you abandon entirely to God . . . “ – you have your life! (O. Chambers)
“Your life is given to you.”
A Beloved Scripture
I leave you with Mt. 16:25. “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.”
“Yes, your life is given to you.”
Application Thoughts And Questions
Have you engaged a life of mystery in Christ?- Further, have you considered Christ is always in the middle of mystery?
- Have you considered that a lack of mystery in life is actually living in poverty?
- Have you given “all of you” to Jesus?
- If so, do you realize God has given your life back to you as your “prey?”
* Portions of this content come from my book – Sharp Shooting: Your Bronze Bow – a devotional book that takes you through Matthew and powerfully challenges you to live like Jesus lives. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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