Something New

I don't always like doing new things. Partially, it is because I don't want to embarrass myself by doing something wrong. When I meet someone for the first time, I dread first impressions. It makes me reluctant to speak--I fear saying the wrong thing. What if I mispronounce their name? Or bring up a touchy subject? Or, well, the list goes on and on. Before you are tempted to label me neurotic, let me ask you: Are you always ready to try something new?

Have you ever went to say, "Hello," to someone in the store, but stopped because they began speaking a different language? Why did you stop? You may not call the feeling you have "fear," but it most certainly is. Or have you ever felt you should call someone who hasn't been in church awhile, but failed to call them because you didn't want them to think you were "judging" them? That's fear. Have you ever refused to eat something because you didn't know what it is or who prepared it? Again, that's fear.

Life in general, and life in Christ, specifically, brings a constant influx of newness into our lives. There are new trials, new friendships, and new mercies everyday. Each new thing or person that comes into our life presents the opportunity to explore the grace of God in ways that we might not otherwise be able to. What I mean is that each new opportunity can teach us about the grace of God.

When we encounter a difficult person, it may be God teaching us the grace of patience. More specifically, it may be that God is teaching us what his patience toward us is truly like. Difficult people often tax our patience reserves rapidly, but when we consider the reality of our sin in light of God's holiness, we get a glimpse of his gracious patience toward us. Thus an encounter with a difficult person teaches about the grace of God, even as the Spirit seeks to work the patience of God through us.

Thus, the events in our lives, when seen through the eyes of faith (as guided by the Scriptures), can teach us a great deal about God's grace. However, these new encounters don't teach us in some sort of abstract way or teach us abstract truths. They teach us the practical aspects of grace: gratitude, humility, service and love. They teach us how to be merciful, even if we struggle to put the concept of mercy into words. They teach us how to love, not in word only, but in deed.

So the next time you're tempted to growl at something new, take a minute and pray. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and to teach you insight. Ask him to teach you something about his grace toward you (and others) through this new experience. After you have prayed, watch and take notes and thank him for the insights he gives you.