When the World Calls Me By Name

Good morning!

Last night in my Beth Moore Bible study, “Believing God,” she shared the difference between proactive sin (premeditated) and reactive sin (spontaneous). Both have their consequences, to be sure. But the heart motivation for each is different.

I wish I could say my only sins were reactive (like my sudden hankerin’ to buy the almonds) but that’s not true. Sometimes I want to sin. I’m thinkin’ about it. Plannin’ it. I don’t want to hurt God. But I want what I want. Now. And I really do get that the reason why God hurts in the first place is because He knows sin will hurt me. I’m the one who loses in my momentary folly.

How is it that even though I agree with God about a particular matter, I suddenly suspend any spiritual understanding He’s given me? Just so I can have the “liberty” to say or do whatever it is I’m wanting to say or do? I thought of this parable of sorts:

Little Carly proudly slips on her new backpack. “Thanks, Mommy, for writing my name in such big letters. My best friend, Lindsey, has one just like it and now we won’t mix ’em up. As they walk to the bus stop, Carly’s mother rehearses with her daughter the now familiar rules about talking to strangers:

“Honey, what do you do if a stranger approaches you at school?”

“I run away and find my teacher.”

“What if a stranger walks up to you after school and says, ‘I’m a friend of your mommy. She asked me to pick you up today.”

“No Mommy! That man is lying! “You would never have a stranger come and get me, ever!” Carly shakes her head for emphasis.

“That’s right, sweetie. And remember. There’ll never be any exception to this rule.”

“I know Mommy, never.” Carly’s mom stoops down to give her precocious six-year-old one last hug as her school bus approaches. “Have a great day at school.”

Hours later, school’s out and Carly saunters toward her bus.

“Hi Carly.” She spins around to see who’s talking to her.

A man Carly doesn’t recognize approaches. “Guess what? You don’t have to take the bus home today! I’m on my way over to your house right to now visit with your mommy. She asked if I’d pick you up.”

Clutching her backpack a little tighter, Carly starts to run back toward her class – just like her mommy taught.

“I don’t know you. Don’t talk to me. I’m going to get my teacher.”

The Stranger easily catches up to Carly. “Don’t be afraid, sweetie. I know about your mommy and daddy’s rule. I taught my little girl not to talk to strangers, too.”

“You did?”

“I’m proud of you, Carly. You are right not to talk to strangers like me. But this is an exception. Your mommy told me to make sure you knew that.”

“But my mommy told me just today there are no exceptions. Ever.”

The Stranger stoops down to Carly’s level so she can see he is quite a nice man. A safe man. “Carly, this is an exception to the no exception rule. This is the only time this will probably ever, ever happen. Plus, think about it, Carly. How could I have recognized you? How could I have known your name, if your mommy hadn’t told me?”

How could he know my name?

“Carly,” the Stranger tenderly continues. “Your mommy told me that she would have your favorite after school snack waiting for you.”

“Chocolate chip cookies?”

“Yes! With extra chocolate chips.”

This stranger just can’t be one of the bad men Mommy and Daddy told me about. He’s so nice and he even taught his own little girl the rule.

Though still apprehensive, going against her better judgment, against all her mother had told her just that morning, Carly finally clasps the hand of the nice Stranger and gets into his car. How could he be a stranger, after all? He knew her name?

Of course, Carly had forgotten her name was written boldly on her new backpack.

I’ve come to believe that God’s precepts contained in Scripture are His hedge of protection, His “invisible fences” to shield me from harm.

The world has its standard of “acceptability.” If I don’t measure up to its standard, I’m unworthy. “Conform.” Conform or else,” the world screams every day. The more I believe what God says about me, though, the better equipped I am to ignore those lies.

Sometimes, though, the world calls me by name far more gently. Just like Carly. She knew the truth. But then the Stranger said something that made her doubt what she knew to be true. That happens to me sometimes.

The world’s call can come from anywhere any time. Sometimes the call is most gentle from someone I love and normally respect – friend or family perhaps. Or it may be a boss or coworker. “Come, Gayle. Take this certain path or consider this certain option.”

Yet in my heart I already know the truth. This is not right. I see it clearly. At first. The conversation really should be settled. But then I waver.

It is especially these situations that seem like the “exception,” I must remember to run into the arms of my Heavenly Father. Fast! No matter how gently the world has called my name, if the decision will draw me away from my loving Father, I must not listen. If I listen too long, I’ll eventually follow. The end, always predictable, will cause disappointment and heartache.

I am wise to remember spiritually speaking, I’m just as vulnerable as Carly. Yet as I clasp the hand of God, He delights to walk beside me. And by His grace I am able to enjoy thoroughly all the good things this world has to offer – that which God Himself created – and disregard the rest.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. (1 John 3:1)

Blessings all!