I took a beautiful drive out to my brother’s house today. He lives in the country. It was a wonderful, sun-shiny day, so I enjoyed the scenery as I headed out of town.
On the way there, I marveled at the high level of the creek along the windy road; full after so many rainy days. It’s amazing how a dry creek bed can come to life so quickly.
I had noticed that the trees along the road look liked they’d been trimmed. Crews must have been working in the area. It seemed more open and I could see through the otherwise, dense forests. Then, on my way back, something caught my eye–it was a right-of-way cleared through a wooded area.
I think I took note because it seemed so neat and clear. Forests of trees on both sides–wild and without order, while the center was cleanly mowed–smooth, without distraction. I could see clear to the other end of the line. Yet, there was something in the middle–power lines.
That’s when the Lord said, “think about what you’re seeing.”
I have to clear out the brush, the wildness, the trees that are hindering him from working, in order to let God’s power flow through me! I have to give God the right-of-way through my life!
Wow! That hit me like a bolt of lightening. I wanted to stop the car to take a picture, but another vehicle was coming up behind me. I drove on, but kept looking at other right-of-ways along the road home and thinking of how this applied to my life.
The Apostle Paul wrote about this to the church in Ephesus:
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands,that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
It is only when I put off the old self, that the Spirit is no longer grieved in me and is able to power up the lines that allow me to be an influence for Christ to others.
Just like the presence of those trees on both sides of the right-of-way is a reminder of the cost and amount of clearing needed to put up the electric lines, so is the continued presence of temptation a reminder that I have to fully trust each day to Jesus to keep me walking in his way. He paid the price for the clearing, but I have to daily surrender myself to his maintenance crew.
Lord, may I always yield to your right-of-way in my heart and life, that your Spirit will be able to work in full power to your glory!
How’s your right-of-way looking today? You can get it cleared up quickly with some good, ol’ confession. But once you do, get ready, because you’ll experience a power surge!
Grace and Peace