Grunt Work

Colossians 2:6-8  "6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than Christ."

It is not always easy to surrender oneself to the authority of another. After all, you have better ideas right? You seem to always know a better way.  As a young man, starting out in obtaining my education and career in EMS and the Fire Service, I had to learn quickly what surrender and submit meant.  I was entering a profession that was structured in order to maintain control so to sustain order and justice.  There was no tolerance for insubordination.  Freelancing, or working out from under the authority of my instructor (in school) or  commander (on the job) was not only a selfish act, it is very dangerous as well. Order provides protection, efficiency, and greater effect.

Obtaining education in the Fire/EMS career is very demanding. Hours upon hours of didactic and practical learning as well as hours of home work.  At times, the task became very tedious, dirty, and messy.  I understood though, if I wanted to succeed in obtaining the required knowledge and skills, I would have to work hard. "To much is given, much is required."

As Christians, we must understand that our call to be disciples does not end with salvation. Salvation is just the beginning. We must continue to travel the path of transformation so to allow Christ to conform us to His ways. This change must be influenced by Christ, not the world.

This is not an easy task, but well worth the effort. As Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, after receiving Christ, we are called to establish our roots in Him. He also warned that the world is a dangerous place. If we become more like it, transformed by it, we will become selfish and fulfill our own desires not His. We can fall. Freelancing in the field without order is dangerous to your safety and others. 

A deepened relationship with Him will strengthen you and enable you to begin and sustain the transformation so to surrender and submit yourself (will, goals, aspirations...etc.) to Him which will bring order, efficiency, and effect to your life and those He calls you to influence.