lined up
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit . . . 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)
Our pier had become a trip and splinter hazard and needed repair. Finally, the long-awaited pier repair company went to work, removing our old pier and securing new pilings and a deck frame. The company’s husband and wife team began to hand-install the decking planks across the frame. One by one they placed them next to each other, lining them up to a previously established guideline.
I wondered what would happen if one plank got slightly out of line and they kept going – tapping the next to the imperfect one beside it and on and on until the new deck was complete. While seemingly ‘lined up’ along the way, it would have gradually turned away from the guideline and would not yield a straight (or functional) end product.
Author Priscilla Shirer talks about the transformation that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in believers through sanctification in Armor of God. Jesus is our cornerstone and our connection with others. Progressively and daily the Holy Spirit works in us until our soul is increasingly operating in alignment with God’s heart. As His work continues, our ‘lined-up’ thoughts and desires impact our actions and reactions, and we align to the perfect nature of Christ.
Reflection: Consider those ‘lined-up’ planks along a boardwalk or pier you cross this summer, how they were lined up to a guide and connected to each another! Connect with a Christian friend or acquaintance for a walk or meal, and a chat. Ask the Lord how you can spur one another on to stay lined up with Jesus this summer!
Forgive me, Lord, when I get ‘out of line’ with You and your will. Please remind me and help me by your Holy Spirit to keep my life in line with yours and connected to other believers. Amen.
Shawn Maassel, Huntingtown, MD
Shawn began taking Body & Soul® classes as a student in 1990 after her first child was born. Years later, after a move and transition to full-time church work, she became a Body & Soul® instructor in order to bring the ministry and classes to her new church. She has been leading classes since 2003 in Huntingtown, Maryland and enjoys being part of Body & Soul’s® Spiritual Impact Team. Shawn and her husband have three grown children and two grandsons across the country.
