"The One-Piece-Life"

A while back I ran across a blog post written by a lady I've never met. It was called "One Piece Life" - the idea borrowed from John 19:23.

"The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout."

I didn't agree with a lot of the post, but the idea of a seamless life stood out to me. Her point was that Christians should not live a conglomeration of spiritual and secular lives, but that the spiritual should so permeate each part of our life that it becomes one piece. Compartmentalized thinking and living is done away with when we are really following Christ.

And this is from a lady is not a part of the body of Christ (though she thinks she is).

I was doing some cleaning this morning, and I usually do a lot of thinking as I clean. This morning as I scrubbed, I pondered some of these things. Why don't more of us talk like this lady? Those of us who call ourselves true Christians... why don't we all long for the "one piece life" as she apparently does? And if we do, why don't we talk about it much?

I think part of it is fear. And selfishness. Fear and selfishness that if we say "to God be the glory" too loud, someone might think we're denominational. Fear and selfishness that if we let go of our last little worldly compartment we're clinging to, our lives will somehow be less rich. Fear and selfishness that maybe if we become too different, the world won't be able to relate to us at all anymore and we'll be cut off.

I'm sad to admit it, but most of us could learn a lesson from some denominational folks. Yes, they are misguided and we need to reach them. I'm not saying we're all one big family with different last names. I am saying that we shouldn't be afraid to give God credit for things and be more open about our faith. Not to mention more serious and dedicated.

One of the kindest brothers I know here in Tanzania is named Joseph. We were talking with him the other day about how he has good health and strength, though he is middle aged now (he was calling himself an older man). His response was that it was by the grace of God alone that he has his health and strength. He said that because he lives well as a Christian and doesn't do bad things with his body, he has better strength than others, and kept repeating very humbly that it's only because of the grace of God. That is beautiful Christianity. Why can't more of us be that natural about giving God the glory for things in our everyday lives?

I hear of some people in the church who go for years... at school... at their workplaces... in the community... and those around them never know they are Christians. And I think, "wow, that's crazy." But what about me? What about you? When someone sees a picture of me, does anything hint at my being a follower of Christ? When I talk with someone, does He come out in my speech? In my conversation?

If no one can tell that I'm a follower of Christ; I am not. truly. following. Him.

There's no "follow Christ a little" and "play/talk/think like the world a little." That's called being lukewarm, and it makes God sick. I must get over myself, so to speak and be completely serious about crucifying myself and living Christ. Am I His disciple? Do I wish to hear what He would have His students to know?

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matt. 16:24

The lady who wrote the post called "One Piece Life" is confused about a lot of things... but the idea is biblical. And that's the kind of life I want. Christ permeating my entire life - seamlessly.

"Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 6:15-7:1