david-nathanael-jones

Since we are beings that operate in the contexts of space and time, we never undergo transformation all-at-once. This wouldn't really matter to us except that we are fallen beings, and for those of us who are longing in faith to sumbit to the process of un-falling (sanctification)--of conforming to the image of Christ--this process-aspect of transformation is almost unbearable. Because we're "in the middle of things" in regard to our salvation, we always bear with us the questions, doubts, fears and unsatisfied longings that make up the old self--dying though it is.

Certanly we should count ourselves in Christ, fully saved by Him and fully sure of our future hope because of His "already" resurrection. Yet before our own ressurection, this counting should be articulated in the very disciplines that make up the processes of sanctification. I know that I become too quickly overwhelmed by the enormity and ambiguity of the space/time in-between my present hope and my future promise if I try to constantly focus on the "big picture" (the all-at-onceness-in-Chirst) of what's going on in my life. The only way I can bear the load of process is through the footsteps of the disciplines: memorization of Scripture, prayer, confession of sin, service, compassion, etc.

If I am getting overwhelmed in life, let me return to the stepped articulations of "counting" myself in Christ in my daily disciplines. That's the basic thing I want to remember today.