So...here's something I've been thinking about in the past few days, in part because of "Flashbang," a Relevant-published book by Mark Steele (which, by the way, is hilarious and really honest):

Our production-orientation has us screwed up.

I can see this in my own walk with the Lord and am imagining I'm not the only one who must continually offer up my ego-projection to God...a God who doesn't seem concerned about the face we put on for the world to uncover and 'figure out.'

There's something really refreshing and wonderful about being raw (some striking synonyms: new, unconversant, unpracticed, unseasoned, unskilled, untrained...) before God. Not just "I'll give you the parts of me that really need your work and keep a tight grasp on all the rest," but full-out, uninhibited surrender.

You know, I think sometimes we mull over this (idealistic) image of ourselves to the point where a tendency toward 'image upkeep' kicks in: reflection centered around maintaining --and even nurturing-- our own uniqueness, passions, abilities...

It is all too easy (comfortable, even) to be entangled in this mess.

What about Paul's urging in Romans?

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)

So...lots of predestination stuff, yes (more on that this summer, maybe), but look at his invitation: a call to be conformed into the image of Jesus -- in Americanspeak, to leave our baggage behind and allow Jesus to pilot the plane...on a long, sometimes strange, but pretty thrilling ride. Cliché, perhaps, but real.

This image stuff is exciting, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of "Flashbang." (Steele has a blog for the book: check it out here)

Until next time, keep serving Jesus, folks.