Fit In
Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
I remember working on a ranch when I was 12 with these guys that were the real deal cowboys. The first day they put me up on this big old horse with a saddle that was way too big for me and sent me off to bring in the old cows for the night. I know that when they first saw me coming, they saw a city slicker, someone who didn’t fit in to their culture at all. Throughout my summer spent with them, however, there was a transformation that took place in me. They got me this smaller saddle so my feet could reach the stirrups and a real felt cowboy hat. Then, we got up every morning before sunrise and weren’t done till after the sunset. By the end of the summer I might not have completely fit in, but because of what I did, how I was clothed, what I ate, and the environment I was in, I at least wasn’t the hopeless city slicker of a few weeks earlier. I was even able to contribute somewhat to the cowboy cause.
When we come into God’s realm and His culture, it is certain that we don’t quite fit in . There is so much that needs renewing and reforming. How we talk, walk, think and live has needed adjustment if we are to ever ‘fit’ into the kingdom of God. There is a way that’s been provided, though. When we begin to be clothed in righteousness, learn the ways of loving service, and commit to the cause with faithfulness (from the rising of the sun till its setting) we will, with time, take on the attributes of the real deal Friend and faithful Lord. We’ll lose our city slickerness for the exhilarating life of the open range, and gain confidence that our place in His body is secure and right.
