remembering truth

During a hard part of my life a great friend shared something that had profound effect on my life. This past week I’ve spent a lot of time looking back at that moment and I found myself looking again at the writing that helped me re-focus my attention and desire on the Lord. Let me share what it was…

BROKENNESS

Sometimes it is asked what is meant when one desires brokenness. Brokenness is not easy to define but can be clearly seen in the reactions of Jesus, especially as He approached the cross and crucifixion. I think it can be applied personally in this way:

When to do the will of God means that even my Christian friends will not understand, and I remember that “neither did His brethren believe in Him,” and I bow my head to obey and accept the misunderstanding, this is brokenness.

When I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, and I remember that Jesus was falsely accused but He “held his Peace,” and I bow my head to accept the accusation without trying to justify myself, this is brokenness.

When another is preferred before me and I am deliberately passed over, and I remember that they cried, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas,” and I bow my head and accept rejection, this is brokenness.

When my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins by the ambitions of others, and I remember that Jesus allowed them “lead him away to crucify Him,” and he accepted that place of failure, and I bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness, this is brokenness.

When in order to be right with my God it is necessary to take the humbling path of confession and restitution, and I remember that Jesus “made himself of no reputation,” and “humbled himself…unto death, even the death of the cross,” and I bow my head and am ready to accept the shame of exposure, this is brokenness.

When others take unfair advantage of my being a Christian and treat my belongings as public property, and I remember “they stripped Him” and “parted His garments, casting lots,” and I bow my head and accept “joyfully the pain or loss I experience” for His sake, this is brokenness.

When one acts towards me in an unforgivable way, and I remember that when He was crucified Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” and I bow my head and accept any behavior towards me as permitted by my loving Father, this is brokenness.

When people expect the impossible of me and more than time or human strength can give, and I remember Jesus said, “This is my body which is given for you…,” and I repent of my self-indulgence and lack of selfless giving to others, this is brokenness.

When I think or believe that I am broken and that I have learned all that I can learn, then I have haven’t truly embraced my brokenness. Only when I embrace my brokenness and realize that there will be nothing I can do to get out of it, and then will I truly understand why.