Wholeness: Tangible

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. -Romans 7:15

I'm sure the above verse is something all believers can identify with. A tendency that points to the specifics of our brokenness, and hinders our wholeness if we don't heed these indicators. If you read the broader context of the verse, you will see he is pointing to the sinful nature of the flesh being behind it all. But the question is, why is the sinful nature so shortsighted? While I am sure there are many variables, one in particular that accounts for much of it is tangibility. The ways of the flesh are more tangible than the ways of the spirit. Our human relationships are more tangible than our one with God. Rules and regulations are more tangible than grace. Inclusion into society is more tangible than approval from God. Works are more tangible than forgiveness. Money and possessions are more tangible than salvation. Emotions are more tangible than faith.

Yet, what we find so tangible is so very temporary. These temporal things we value so much often disappoint and fall short of true wholeness. Yet, at the moment all our sinful nature can see is right then and there, the instant gratification of emotional relief. The assurance of what we can easily wrap our minds around and understand. Completely sacrificing the long term; as a result.

The long-term path to wholeness needs to be a very deliberate one. It will be full of distractions offering quick, but short-term answers. In many ways, it's one of the most pervasive obstacles we face in our walk as disciples. Yet, we often treat it so casually; hence, our repeated failures. Isn't about time we cast off all these self-destructive distractions and focus on what is really important with intent?

A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. ” -Isaiah 40:6-8