Category: First Steps

G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) was an apologist in his day.  He was an avid writer and artist.  When he set out to define his own religion, he realized that a definition already existed in the creeds of Christianity.  He likened his discovery of existing creeds to that of an English yachtsman who miscalculated his course and discovered England under the impression that it was a new island in the South Sea.  He said, “I have discovered England.”  

For him, the value of Christian Tradition (Church History) couldn’t be overvalued.  For Chesterton, “Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about…tradition objects to [people] being disqualified by the accident of death.”  I would agree because there is much to learn from those who have finished their course and have kept the faith.  They continue to provide the living with examples of faith.

Never wearied of joy, Chesterton filled his days with the enjoyment of life, his friends, the love of a devoted wife, and his social causes.  Though he often found himself in the political minority, his writings were widely admired.  Chesterton described the saint as medicinal because [he/she] is an antidote whereas the saint restores the world to sanity by exaggerating whatever the world neglects.  For me, I love his quote, “Despair does not lie in being weary of suffering, but in being weary of joy.”   

Perhaps, in 2021, the focus of joy is a lesson for us.  Chesterton didn’t have to look for joy, he realized it was all around him waiting to be experienced. Look for all the joy around you, see it as a gift from God. Experience it and allow God’s Spirit to minister to your soul.  

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

While attending a funeral service, a granddaughter said this about her deceased grandfather, “He excelled at giving the gift of a good experience.” What a legacy blessing.

Love is formed through the bond of experience. Trust is formed through the bond of experience. This doesn’t mean, nor will it ever imply, perfection in a relationship. No individual is perfect. No single life is perfect; therefore, no relationship will be perfect. Thankfully, they don’t have to be. Strong, fruitful, fulfilled relationships are never perfect. They only need to be authentic, where both parties show up with good intentions, act on those intentions, and be willing to forgive. If there is a secret to a blessed relationship, I think that this is it.

We love people into wholeness, meaning relationships are crucial to the spread of the gospel and the sanctification process. God, through the Holy Spirit, will use every experience to reveal his love, grace, and mercy. We only need to excel at giving the gift of a good experience.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

In the royal political joust that took place after the death of Henry VIII, there were many causalities resulting in multiple martyrdoms. One such causality was Lady Jane Grey, the great-granddaughter of Henry VII. She was the de facto queen for nine days before being arrested and sent to the Tower of London. The night before she died, she sent her Greek New Testament to her sister and wrote this on the last page:

“I have sent you a book. It is not rimmed with gold, but its contents are worth more than precious stones. It contains the laws of the Lord. It is his last will and testament. It will lead you to the path of eternal joy…It will teach you to live and die…Apply yourself diligently to his book. Direct your life after it. Desire with David, good sister, to understand the law of the Lord God. Your youth does not guarantee you a long life. If God calls, the young go as quickly as the old. Learn to die. Deny the world, defy the devil, despise the flesh, and delight yourself only in the Lord. Be penitent for your sins, but don’t despair. Be steady in faith, but not presumptuous. Since you bear the name of a Christian, follow Christ’s steps as nearly as you can. Take up your cross. Lay your sins on his back. Embrace him always.”

Fine and courageous words at any time but knowing that they were written the night before an imminent execution, they are classic. What would you write if you were in her shoes? Many psychologists state that when one knows his/her death forthcoming they don’t waste time with idle words. They draw loved ones close and they speak from the heart.

I think her words are important still today. Allow God’s Word to fill your heart, direct your path, and bring you joy. Serve him with gladness, acknowledge God and he will direct your path.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6