Print This PostJesus is NOT my co-pilot!
Ever see the bumper sticker that says, “God is my co-pilot”? I used to see it a lot more than I do now. But, the reason I bring this up is because for the last several months I have really been in a quandary as to my role versus God’s in the way my choices have borne fruit. Still don’t have it all figured out. I think that’s where the grace of God intersects.
“Religion in its humility restores man to his only dignity, the courage to live by grace.”
George Santayana
Grace, in the Person and work of Jesus the Christ, says that He does for us what we can’t do for ourselves. If God is my co-pilot, then I’m at the controls and I only ask His help when the situation merits. The problem with that line of reasoning is it makes me the expert at figuring out which situation, and/or at which point in the situation, I ask for the kind and wise intervention of a Power greater than myself. In other words, when the s--t hits the proverbial fan, it is probably, and most likely, MY best thinking that got me in the mess I’m in.
Now, I am not abdicating personal responsibility. I AM saying that if I truly believe, and act on, the premise that there is a God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and infinitely loving, then it behooves all of US to hand the controls to Him.
In the story of the Fall, the serpent asserts the proposition that if Eve and Adam eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they will become all-knowing, like gods. That is the dilemna I find myself in through most of life. Not knowing. Wanting to know. Not in control. Wanting to be in control. Sound like anyone you know? Yeah. Me, too.
In recovery, one of the maxims that we TRY to live our lives by is to “do the next right thing,” Easier said than done. As a very wise young man said to our fellowship recently, “even if I don’t always do the next right thing, I can at least do the next thing right.” Thanks, Matt.
That’s what I’m going to do right now.
“God, from this moment to my last, I want YOU to take the wheel of my life. I trust You, and I need You, and I love You. Since You already know what the future holds, it only makes sense to this alcoholic to let you steer this vehicle called Harvey’s life. I know You know how to get my attention when I come to the conclusion that I know better than You. So, here we go. All fueled up, buckled up, and looking up!”
Your most unworthy servant,
-Harv
p.s. Enjoy the song. I love it!
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
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