Light
for the path LIAM HAUGHEY | SUNZ Camp Leader
I
am stunned by the truth of the Scripture in Ephesians 1:3-11, where Paul writes of God’s love for us and His ultimate plan for the world. We read that:
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Let that sink in for a moment! Despite all the trouble humankind creates, God actually desires for each of us to be part of his pure and holy family! It’s not just because he has the power to do this, but because he wants us to share in his perfection. I’ve been reflecting on why—despite this truth—we do not have to search far to see a world disheartened by a lack of fulfilment. Always striving for perfection, it is part of human nature to want more from our lives; a better job, more money, to feel more appreciated—the list goes on. Yet through hundreds of generations of trying, we seem to have made no progress. Recently, I had a sense that I would soon be able to pursue an exciting new chapter of my life. Finishing university, I was expecting to move cities, find a strong Christian community, progress 24 www.sunz.org.nz
quickly in my career, and forge some new relationships—in short, an opportunity to 'progress' and 'improve' my life. Ultimately, very little of this happened as I had hoped and inevitable disappointment kicked in. Reflecting on this, perhaps we are unsatisfied because we have each been created to love the infinite. Infinite beauty, infinite purity, infinite holiness, infinite peace, infinite truth, infinite love, infinite life. Through my disappointment, I have been reminded that there is only one way to achieve complete fulfilment—to enter entirely into God’s family through the infinite love of Jesus Christ. However, we must be patient in waiting for perfect fulfilment, because this will only happen when we leave behind the burdens of our earthly lives. Paul puts this into context, writing that, ‘at the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.’ I encourage you to hold this truth close and wait on God’s timing with joyful hope for the perfect fulfilment that is to come. Be patient, delight in the grace that we receive every day, and share the Good News with others!
