Recalibrating...

In the fun of knowing a faster route than your cell phone’s directions are giving you, or in the frustration of missing your exit, the voice of the phone's guide is similar:

In a half-mile, turn le…

In one mile, turn ri…

Recalibrating…

In 500 feet, take a slight left 

Take a slight left

Take a slight left

Proceed to the route...

Sometimes, like the religious leaders who were trying to outsmart the Master, we like to think we know a better, wiser route to the Finish line. And in so many words, Jesus’ response is: “Recalibrate. Strip away all your preconceived ideas of what is important and let this one thing be your guiding foundation: Love Me with all your affections, and all that is uniquely you, and all your thinking and thoughts, and then continually and perseveringly in all kinds of seasons. Then let it all spill over onto others. This is the one thing that really matters for a life that is full and abundant and everlasting."

Sometimes, like the woman at the well, we can be caught in a religious trap where there is a certain place and time and location to meet with God, but then life happens over the next six days until the next Sunday. And in so many words, Jesus’ response is: “Recalibrate. I am much bigger than Sunday morning, or the order of your service, or the size of your building. Let this one thing be your guiding foundation: Break down your preconceived boxes and worship Me, seek Me, in the daily grind, in the places and situations that seem far removed from My interest. The time to worship is always now and wherever you are."

Sometimes (quite often, in fact), like the sisters of Bethany—one who sat at Jesus’ feet and one who had a to-do list a mile long—we are tempted to side with the one who kept humming “gitter done.” Because that’s what Americans do. Because that’s what good church-goers do. And in so many words, Jesus’ response is: “Recalibrate. Let this one thing be your guiding foundation: Remember the religious leaders who were trying to outsmart Me. Remember the woman at the well who was caught in a religious trap. Getting stuff done is important. Go for it, and I will help. But never ever forget the one thing that really matters in the end—not what you have accomplished or learned, but rather, did you know Me and live that way?”

Yeah, but life is a battle.

To which Jesus’ great earthly ancestor responds:

“The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way; he’s the source of my salvation to defend me every day. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me. 

When evil ones come to destroy me, they will be the ones who turn back. My heart will not be afraid even if an army rises to attack. I know that you are there for me, so I will not be shaken.

Here’s the one thing I crave from God, the one thing I seek above all else: I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house [presence], finding the sweet loveliness of his face, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to live my life so close to him that he takes pleasure in my every prayer.”

Recalibrating…proceeding to the route...

“I desire only Him and to be wholly His.”—Brother Lawrence