Do You Want More?
Have you ever wanted more out of life? Going through the (at times mundane) motions of your daily routine and think, there’s got to be something else…something…more. Have you had that thought flutter across your consciousness after another 40+ hour week at a job you may or may not be thankful to have? You accept the fact life costs money and what you’re doing right now might not be your dream, but it’s what needs to be done to pay the rent, feed the kids, or make it through school. But, even if you are in your dream job, found the love of your life, and have quality friends in your inner circle, I can almost guarantee at some point or another the thought of more – purpose, meaning, feeling alive – has hung in your heart and mind more often than you’d care to admit.
We all want more – it’s in our DNA.
As human beings we are designed with this insatiable desire for more – insatiable by anything this world offers anyway. It is a hunger we try to satisfy by any means we can – work, food, alcohol, relationships, money, success, power, etc. It is a void we can momentarily fill with these things, but soon those fail to have the same effect they once did, so we seek something else to take their place; something more. On and on the cycle goes, never landing in a place of permanent rest and satisfaction.
Left to your own devices, this cycle and constant longing for more will continue unfulfilled until the day you take your last breath.
Unless…
Unless you take the offer that’s on the table, waiting for your yes.
Do you ever wish someone would just show up at your door with some crazy offer, inviting you into an adventure, where you’ll meet all kinds of people, and leave behind this seemingly boring day-to-day? An offer that would require all you have to give and at the same time provide the means to sustain and fuel such an endeavor?
Sounds like a fantasy, am I right? What if I told you such an offer does exist? That it has already been made and awaits your decision?
Let me draw on a song from The Greatest Showman to help explain what I mean. And no, the offer I’m talking about isn’t to run away and join the circus. But, it is to run towards something – Someone – and join His adventure.
In the song “The Other Side” we find PT Barnum (Hugh Jackman) at the bar trying to convince Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) to take a risk and join the circus business, telling him it would be his chance at freedom. After listening to this soundtrack several times on repeat, jamming out during my work day, the Holy Spirit got my attention with this song and a spark of revelation flooded my heart. I hit the replay button and closed my eyes, listening to it again. This time, images of Hugh and Zac at the bar faded away. Instead, I saw Jesus singing to me, to you, to all of us. He extends an offer to each of us – Good News – inviting us into the greatest adventure and a place of true freedom we could scarce dream about: His Kingdom. His family.
As with “Never Enough” and “Rewrite the Stars” I ask that you listen to this song once before reading on and then again after. The parallel breaks down in some spots and before the song is done, but, the parts I’ve included so clearly sing the Gospel message, to my ears at least. I invite you to take a closer listen.
Listen: “The Other Side” performed by Hugh Jackman & Zac Efron, original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (stop at 2:25)
Right here, right now
I put the offer out
I don’t want to chase you down
I know you see it
You run with me
And I can cut you free
Out of the drudgery and walls you keep in
So trade that typical for something colorful
And if it’s crazy, live a little crazy
As mentioned in the previous blog in this series, there’s a serious chasm that exists between us and God – star-crossed lovers remember? But, (praise the Lord there’s a but) Jesus came and made a way where there was no way, taking all of our sin upon Himself, once for all time; paying the debt we never could. Three days later He walked out, leaving that tomb empty, defeating death for all time! It is finished, so the offer stands, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
He’s done all He needs to and will not force you to do or choose anything. If He did, without the chance to refuse, what meaning does your yes have? He’s not after mindless minions; Jesus wants followers fully open to receive the love and grace waiting and grow from there.
It is crucial to note this is not just an offer for fire insurance or a guaranteed spot on the other side of a set of pearly gates. When we reduce the Gospel to that, a futuristic and ethereal existence, my word have we missed the point! “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) The point of the Gospel is that Jesus has come to set the captives free – free from sin, lies, performance, striving, condemnation…all of these things that crush us and weigh us down. Our baggage, our bitterness, unforgiveness (for ourselves and for others), shame, worthlessness, inadequacy, perfection…the list goes on, but the ocean of His grace knows no depth. You think your life is messed up and your struggles have led you to a pit of darkness and despair so deep, there’s no hope? I’m telling you His grace runs deeper still. No darkness can overcome His light and it never will. His love knows no height or depth (Romans 8:39).
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) Eternal life is not a future home in Heaven. Eternal life is available here and now; eternal life is knowing Jesus! It’s being in a relationship with Him. That is something we can experience each and every day, NOW. This is the offer that stands – to let Him in. To accept the love, forgiveness, grace, and new life that awaits. Freedom and peace are available right here, right now!
“If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God.” (2 Cor. 5:13) To the world, true followers of Christ will look crazy; making choices and doing things that are counter-cultural and perhaps seem ridiculous or like a waste of time and resources. This is because the way of Jesus is not the way of the world. Following Him, knowing His opinion is all that matters frees us up from fear of rejection, a need for affirmation, and the opinion of others.
You can play it sensible, a king of conventional
Or you can risk it all and see
Don’t you wanna get away from the same old part you gotta play
‘Cause I got what you need, so come with me and take the ride
It’ll take you to the other side
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17) It is easy and comfortable to follow the patterns and lifestyles we have created over the course of our lives; they are familiar and predictable. We like knowing what’s coming, am I right? But, in Christ, there is this spark, this promise of something new, something you’ve never experienced before. But, it means you must throw off the familiar, the comfortable, the old and step into the new, which also means the unknown. You might not be sure of what will come or how this is all going to look, but you can be sure of the One doing the inviting. It’s part of the risk. You can’t keep one foot in your old patterns and step forward with the other into the new. Think about this in a real life example: can you keep one foot on the dock and one in the canoe and experience all the beauty and scenery that awaits down the river? No! You’re going to be stuck where you’re at until you decide to step into the canoe with both feet. It’s the same way with the life Jesus offers; it’s all or nothing. Do you believe the truth there’s more out there for you?
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35) Jesus has what you need. Only in Him will every need be met. The teaching I’m going through with my mentor explains them in a succinct and easy way to remember: Jesus meets our physical needs, our need for peace, purpose, and power as well. We’re not just talking your physical bread and water here, it’s nourishment for your soul – satisfaction for your deepest longings and answers to your questions and doubts. He has what you need. Don’t believe me? That’s okay. My question is this: have you ever taken time to actually read what the Bible says about Jesus? What Jesus has said Himself? If not, I challenge you to dig into what the Word says for yourself before scoffing at this admonition. I challenge you to talk to Jesus and see for yourself. You cannot fully understand or experience this fullness in your life unless you give Him your yes – it’ll take you to the other side – into His family, into His kingdom.
‘Cause you can do like you do
Or you can do like me
Stay in the cage, or you’ll finally take the key
Oh, damn! Suddenly you’re free to fly
It’ll take you to the other side
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free…” (Luke 4:18, Jesus quoting Isaiah 61:1) The offer is out. You can choose to stay where you’re at or you can choose to take Jesus’ hand and follow Him. This song likens life in this old pattern to being stuck in a cage. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, holds the key: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) He has come to give you freedom and all you have to do is say yes, take the key. Then, just wait and see what new and crazy things He has waiting for you! He wants to see you fly, soar, dream. He wants to see you thrive, not just survive. How do I know this is what is waiting on the other side? Because He said so, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Okay, my friend, you want to cut me in
Well I hate to tell you, but it just won’t happen
So thanks, but no
I think I’m good to go
‘Cause I quite enjoy the life you say I’m trapped in
The next few sections is Carlyle’s response to Barnum’s offer and I hear so much of the human soul in it. Isn’t this how we respond to Jesus? Have you ever responded this way? I’m good as I am, and this ‘cage’ looks pretty good to me – got the job, the accolades, the spouse, the kids, the yard, the car, friends, a boat out on the lake…I’d say that’s pretty dang good if you ask me. I like my life the way it is thank you very much.
Now I admire you, and that whole show you do
You’re onto something, really it’s something
But I live among the swells, and we don’t pick up peanut shells
I’ll have to leave that up to you
Oftentimes we approach Jesus as a nice religious idea and leave it at that. You may even go to church every now and again and nod in agreement with some of the teachings, thinking Jesus was a good teacher and leave it at that. You turn to Him only in times of crisis. When tragedy strikes you go along with the trite response, sending thoughts and prayers your way. You may think, yeah I believe in God, but only to the extent it doesn’t mess up my life the way I have it all laid out. I like where I’m at and to start to really respond to any of this would mean change and would probably make me give up a whole bunch of things and I’m not about that. Go do your Jesus thing, I’m cool with that, but I’ll just keep my life as is.
Don’t you know that I’m okay with this uptown part I get to play
‘Cause I got what I need and I don’t want to take the ride
I don’t need to see the other side
So go and do like you do
I’m good to do like me
Ain’t in a cage, so I don’t need to take the key
Oh, damn! Can’t you see I’m doing fine
I don’t need to see the other side
We love what is familiar and comfortable, so much so that we are deceived into thinking the cage we’re in isn’t a cage at all! We see the “American Dream” and run after it headfirst because that’s what we’ve been told, it’s all we’ve known. The world tells us if we run around like chickens with our heads cut off, constantly trying to earn more, do more, see more, consume more, we’ll find the satisfaction and happiness we so desperately seek. I’m telling you it’s a lie, an empty box wrapped up in shiny paper to draw our attention and desire. But, that life is pretty good, right? Even with all the bustle and busyness, I mean, what you’ve got going isn’t too shabby – could be worse, right? You like the role you have and enjoy the affirmation you receive from others – in your job, in your family, in your friendships, in your community. You know what’s expected, so you’re more than happy to oblige. Who needs more than that? Status quo: good, predictable, safe. Change: bad, unknown, scary.
Now is this really how you like to spend your days?
Whiskey and misery, and parties and plays
“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11) How are you spending your days? What is it you are chasing after? A promotion? Another weekend at the bar? Another online dating site, hoping to find the love you so desperately seek? Do you enjoy the emptiness that comes when those things fail to come to fruition or fail to satisfy anymore? Do you enjoy the constant striving, which leaves you exhausted and defeated? All of these things tend to hide under the surface of a “picturesque” life. Take a look at any person around you in any stage/season of life and my guess is at some point they have asked, is it enough? Am I a disappointment? Is this all there is? C.S. Lewis captures this better than I ever could in his book, The Weight of Glory, “It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
If I were mixed up with you, I’d be the talk of the town
Disgraced and disowned, another one of the clowns
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18) Followers of Christ are not the most popular group of people, but then, that’s not the point of Christianity. Jesus did not come so we could be the most successful and glamorous here in this world. He came so we could be saved and experience life to the full, not just here, but for eternity. This world is fleeting and His focus is on that which holds eternal value. A lot of the New Testament tells us as believers, we will experience suffering and life will not be all rainbows and sunshine specifically because we know Jesus. The most “religious” people in Jesus’ day rejected Him and plotted to kill Him. The same people who shouted, “Hosanna in the highest!” the day Jesus entered Jerusalem are most likely many of the same people who shouted, “Crucify him!” before the week was out. At this point you might be like, okay, so this offer from Jesus basically guarantees hard times…why would I want that? Because what He offers is nothing this world can. Because what He offers is eternal, cuts to the core of who you are, and, well, just keep reading.
But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little
Just let me give you the freedom to dream
And it’ll wake you up and cure your aching
Take your walls and start ’em breaking
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11) There is risk and there is cost to accepting the offer Jesus has laid out, BUT, none of that could possibly add up or compare to what is gained. These verses speak for themselves! “The path of life,” “fullness of joy,” “pleasures at His right hand.” To be with Jesus is life, hope, and joy.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7) By accepting this offer, you come ALIVE! The life you were created for begins and ends with Jesus. This verse blows my mind – God places us directly in His home, His family. He does this not so He can get something out of us, not so He has control over us, but because He loves us! His heart is to, over the span of eternity, keep showing us even more of how He loves us – to show us the “immeasurable riches of His grace.” We can’t even fathom the riches of His grace – it’s not possible to count or track! That’s what He offers you. This love and freedom will unlock parts of your heart and soul you didn’t even realize were there.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) Whatever wounds you have – emotional, physical, spiritual – Jesus is the ultimate Healer. He will cure whatever ails you – perfectionism, worthlessness, loss, grief, etc. (Naming some of my own for you because I’ve seen His healing in these areas of my life and I need you to know His touch is real.) None of it is too much. None of it is beyond what He can handle. He comforts, He heals, He restores. He takes our broken pieces and makes something new – a beautiful masterpiece – breathtaking to behold.
Listen: “The Other Side” performed by Hugh Jackman & Zac Efron, original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (stop at 2:25)
These last two lines sum it all up; the offer has been made and the choice is yours.
Now that’s a deal that seems worth taking
But I guess I’ll leave that up to you
