RustyView.com

A while back I was in a book store and I came across this book entitled the “Bro Code.” Based off of a character from a prime time TV show, the Bro Code lists tons of rules to be followed by all men who consider themselves, “bros.” The code has rules on the topics of everything from dating to dancing, such as: “A Bro never dances with his hands above his head.” and “A Bro never wears pink; not even in Europe.”

Now while I hate to admit it, I have broken many of these rules… I often dance with my hands above my head, and have (on occasion) worn pink…

Now there is one rule though, that I realized I have faithfully carried out… to my detriment at times. Bro Code #20 “When asked, “Do you need some help?” a Bro shall automatically respond, “I got it,” whether or not he’s actually got it.”

I don’t know exactly when it began, but I feel like I’ve had the need for independence from a very young age. It doesn’t matter if I’m carrying a hundred and fifty pound sack of concrete and my back is about to shatter into a thousand pieces, I will almost NEVER ask for help. Maybe it’s pride, maybe it’s insecurity, but whatever it is, it’s not good.

Time and time again we find people throughout scripture that do whatever they can to distance themselves from God and do things on their own, only for them to fall flat on their face. For example, let’s look at the story of Samson. Before his birth Samson was set apart for God’s purpose. He was to be the one that freed God’s people from the Philistines. God had blessed Samson with an incredible strength to equip him for the fights ahead of him. However Samson’s story goes on to show that his entire life was spent after self-centered pursuits. Eventually Samson ends up in a relationship with a woman from the very people he is to save Israel from. Delilah, being one of the enemy, plans to figure out the secret of Samson’s strength in order to hand him over to the Philistines for a pretty penny. She asks, he lies, then when the captors come, he breaks free and kicks some philistine tail. This same pattern happens two more times and Samson in his arrogance stays with this crazy woman. Eventually she drags the truth out of him, and this time when the captors come scriptures tells us, “… he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” Samson is then tortured, humiliated, mocked and set on display for all to see.

Samson’s mistake was not recognizing God as the source of his strength, and using it as such. When he woke up and saw that he was being bound and attacked again, he says, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.”

I have come to realize that I do exactly this every day of my life. No matter what situation I find myself in, I in my fallen delusion think that I can get myself out of it. When I’m struggling with sin, I often believe that I can free myself from its bonds. When I am pressured and stressed, I often think that I can get myself through it by my intellect, perseverance, or charm. And more times than not I find myself like Samson, a broken prisoner to sin, to pain, to burdens…

Last night I was sitting thinking about how I should handle a particular situation in my life, and how I could fix myself in order to stop falling into the same trap. And then God, in a voice almost audible reminded me of a truth that I often forget, ignore, or deny. He said,

You can’t fix you…

I sat stunned at the immense depth of this simple truth. I mean this goes beyond asking for help when carrying something too heavy… This is about the reality that as people upon this earth we are constantly facing the chains of sin in our lives. We are constantly seeking to overcome the darkness in this place. I am constantly trying to make myself grow: spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.

In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul writes about the faith that they have there, and then presents another foundational truth:

“I planted, Apollos watered, bud God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he how waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Modern American Christianity has lost so much of this truth. Go into ANY book store, Christian or secular alike, and you will find more books on becoming a better leader, speaking with passion, being a better parent, getting a more defined six pack, saving money, getting a promotion, and a million other how-to books.

Now let me clarify that these books in and of themselves are not bad or evil, they have simply gained too much importance in our day to day lives. See Scripture says very clearly, “lean NOT on your own understanding.” Rather it gives us a clear command to trust in God with all our heart and acknowledge him in everything that we do.

I’m convinced that we must come back to the point in our lives where we realize that we are COMPLETELY dependent on God. Jesus says to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” See a child is completely dependent on his parents. They younger the child the more dependent, and in a culture that worships independence, this is a bad thing. However, God calls for our utmost dependence on Him. A new born baby relies on his parents to feed him, clean him, protect him, and love him. This is how we are to rely upon our God.

It is not my job to fix myself. I cannot fix me. I am broken and only brokenness with come out of my solo efforts. I must fully rely upon God and trust Him in all my ways if I am to change in any way shape or form. I must reach out to those who have opened themselves up to Him, to be used as His vessels, as His tools.

I pray that we would all come to realize that we are all in need of help. That we all must rely upon the goodness of our Great God to give us life. May we sacrifice our pride, our insecurities, our doubts, our fears, and our selfishness, at the feet of the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us turn now to face the glory of our God. Let us simply be captivated by His love, His light, His life… And He’ll take care of the rest. He’ll take care of us. He’ll bring growth, freedom, restoration, hope, joy, peace, life…

Whatever it is that you want to change in your life, I pray that you would come to realize that all things that were made were made through Him… Only God Brings Growth…

Just Sayins All…

Rusty