Is this better? or is this better?
It's silly, I know, but I used to hate going to the optometrist. When I told people I'd rather go to the dentist, they'd look at me like I was nuts. But here's the thing: there's no pressure to get it right at the dentist. You sit there, mouth agape, and the hygienist does all the work. At the optometrist, however, there are questions. If you don't get them right, you could theoretically, wind up with contact lenses that cause you to awkwardly blow kisses at a neighbor instead of your spouse. And there is a medical professional who controls the entire process, who has the power to show you the same lens over and over and quietly judge you when you declare Number Three isn't nearly as sharp as Number Two. There are consequences!
I'd like to think I've outgrown those neuroses. Likewise, I'd like to think the Holy Spirit is transforming a lot of things about me. And He is! In fact, Scripture assures me He will. Philippians 1:6 (ESV) says:
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Is that great news, or what?! But how does all of this transpire? Well, let's go back to the optometrist for a moment. You call the office and work with a scheduler to make the appointment. You arrive at the office and walk into the building procured and maintained by the business. You're handed the necessary paperwork, and you fill it out. The optometrist calls you to the examination room, and you sit in the seat. He or she shows you a series of screens, and you read off the images visible to you. Then, there are those lenses I mentioned. Is this better? or is this better? The entire process requires your submission and the professional's expertise. Think about that. The optometrist establishes the order of operation. The optometrist decides which eye will be treated first, covering the one while concentrating on the other. The optometrist chooses the lenses; some may, for an instant cause double-vision or discomfort. But it's all part of the process. As you cycle through the exam together, you obey his instructions, you move at his pace, you methodically follow the process he has established. You trust that, even in those moments you couldn't see anything clearly, your doctor is trustworthy and knowledgeable. At or near the end of the exam, the moment comes when the best lenses are found. Both eyes are uncovered. What was once blurred and indistinguishable is now crisp and clear. Double-vision has been reconciled, and parts are integrated. Together you and your optometrist have achieved the desired goal --perfect (or near-perfect) function.
As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we know we will one day experience perfect function. The Holy Spirit is working now to sanctify us and, as the Scripture above promises, will continue to do so. But our cooperation is required: we must submit to all our Specialist is requiring us to do and not do. We must, as we do at the optometrist, concede that He works at His pace, in His way, and He knows what He is doing. The success of our treatment depends on His direction and our willingness to follow it.
No matter what.
Even if we'd rather be getting our teeth cleaned.
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