DISCLAIMER: This post generally has nothing to do with the song mentioned below - it's just the artistic entity that got me to think'n...
Dido, White Flag
I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will beI was listening to this song the other day (and started this post, and it has sat as a draft for a week+ while I pondered) and it got me on a mind rabbit trail about surrendering or not surrendering in my life. Originally I thought (being 28 and all) that I had life 'figured out' and would have a long list of things I would never surrender my position on. I even talked it through with my dear hubby. But - when it comes right down to it, (I discovered) it's about conforming. And with that, I'll post my list of things that I'll never "put my hands up and surrender" on:
1. Jesus is the center of my faith, and I'm saved from the Father's wrath by his work on the cross, I'm redeemed by His grace alone.
2. The Bible is the inherent and complete Word of God. -Everything in it is true and applicable to my life today, and is a message the my friends and enemies need to hear.
So rather than thinking about what I'll never back down from (beyond what's written above) I'll focus on conforming my mind to my Abba's. His words, commands, guidance, and example; I'll strive to show and explain His work of grace to people around me.
Because something I have learned in my 28 years is that one never 'arrives' and suddenly has it all figured out. I could actually list more times in the last 15 years that in my mind I fully believed a thing to be absolute and complete truth and would've never raised a white flag on the issue. And now, today I'm flabbergasted that I so firmly thought such a thing! Every inch of me wants to name a few of them for you, because now -looking back- it's nearly comical to me that I was so firmly stuck on, perhaps, trivial issues. But I won't get into the details.
A few funny idea's I've changed my mind on:
- Guy's should NEVER wear white pants or white jeans. I now think that white linen pants on the beach are fabulous. (white jeans decision still stands).
- I will never eat a fish slimy, raw, & uncooked. And enjoy it-absurd. I now CRAVE the stuff, sushi is among my favorite meals.
- I need to paint every inch of my room a beautiful mauve pink, and accessorize with variations of that color. Needless to say, I'd dare anyone now to find anything in my house-let alone 4 WALLS- that is mauvey pink. I can't stand it.
I am interested to hear your thoughts or comments. Do you have different or other things you'll never raise your hand up and surrender on?
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.