Stephen Anthony Ray

The past few months of my life have lent themselves to a certain unsatisfaction. Not only have I struggled with certain addictive behaviors, but I have this small (yet unquenchable) feeling in my heart that tells me that there is more to life than what I am living. The New Testament talks about it all the time. Jesus calls it “life to the full”. Paul calls it “freedom”. Some would argue the theological point that because the Kingdom of God hasn’t completely reached its fulfillment, this life will always be consumed with pain and struggle. I’m aware of that fact. But I am completely opposed to the way it manifests in Christianity. We take it so often to mean that we have been counted out of the fight. We don’t even try for the better part. We just settle for the crap. But when the New Testament authors, especially our Lord, talk about a life beyond what this world can offer, I have to indulge the thought that such a life makes this world’s life pale in comparison, not vice-versa. The Kingdom of God is in our hearts as of now. And with time, the more we will indulge in that reality, the more real it will become in our daily, practical lives. Certainly, there are some things beyond reach for now since the KOG isn’t complete yet; I know this from certain proddings and sensings in my heart that call me to be home with the Father. However, I will affirm that the lives we live fall quite short of where God has called us. We settle so easily - and interestingly, look up to Heaven in unsatisfaction as though to question God! He’s established the call. He’s laid down the guidelines. The rest is up to us.

SRay