Embodying Christ

What is it to love God and to serve him with our whole being (Deuteronomy 11:13)? In other words, how do we worship God with all of our mind, soul and spirit when we live fragmented lives? For the most part, I remembered growing up when “spiritual things” were separated from the work place and, perhaps, continue to be. Recreation was outside of the church. We went to school to pursue so to speak “secular” careers—to use our faculties for the world not for the kingdom of God. However, every Sunday we paid homage to our sanctuaries or places of worship. And some were even called “Sunday” Christians as a result.

To love God with our whole being—heart, soul and mind, seems naturally to mean to embody Christ. In essence, such a statement would infer that in everything we do we should encounter God if we have purposefully included him in every area of our lives. Why can’t we find God at the kitchen table as we enjoy a good cup of coffee or in the kitchen while preparing a meal? Imagine how we can stir the love of God in other people’s lives as we share Christ in this big pot of stew called life. Or imagine going through a car wash? Have you ever imagined the Holy Spirit washing us like that gigantic looking mop slapping across the car windshield as it cleans? Well, maybe not “slapping” though some people may have experienced similar jolts in their lives that can be likened to spiritual awakenings or epiphanies. Or imagine after a good cardio run being so cognizant of the Holy Spirit breath in each movement of inhalation and exhalation.

To embody Christ is, indeed, personal and an experience that is personalized. As God uniquely created us with special gifts, talents and skills and desires, he also allows us to be of service to him in different ways. I remembered years ago watching the movie Chariots of Fire and hearing Eric Liddell say “When I run I feel God’s pleasure”. Then most recently, watching with delight to see Allyson Felix run and declare she runs for God’s glory. To run to feel God’s pleasure or to run for God’s glory is a desire that can only be motivated by love involving the whole being. What a way to celebrate Christ and to embrace him. Christ, for many such individuals, is an extension of their Sunday lives and becomes also a complete fusion of the persons’ body, mind, and spirit.