S is for Success

But isn't that, or something like that, what we are counting on? Aren't we putting our whole selves, like a gambler putting his entire stake on one roulette number, on the idea that following a Great One, though he makes us look bad by comparison, is the way to look good in the End -- really, really good? Actually, it is not on that idea that we stake ourselves but on that One himself. To succeed Someone who far outclasses you -- and yet succeed. That's a big gamble -- or it would be without a resurrection for collateral.

Succeeders

Maybe you have heard it said, "Christ came preaching the Kingdom but all he got was the Church." Yes, we are a disappointing second act. And we are, or could be, the first to admit it. Retro-specking, seeing our own failings first, is easy if we compare ourselves to that Preacher (and Incarnation) of the Kingdom. Thank goodness we have the sense to parlay that unflattering comparison to our advantage. We just give up trying to succeed eternally by our own effort, forsake that whole hopeless and sinful notion, and instead succeed on him.

We are not great, but we know great when we see it -- which we do in him, and follow him. God, in his grace, counts our following Christ as success. No wonder God gave us the faith with which we follow, so we could succeed Christ and so succeed.

tbcm

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