An Inkling
It’s a comedy skit classic – Bob Newhart’s therapy
session. It’s funny because we’ve all
struggled with behaviors we don’t want, and most of us have tried various
therapeutic and self-help approaches, to no avail. So Newhart found some easy pickings for sardonic laughs.
Has any culture at any time or place ever had more resources
to change behavior? So how are we
doing? Some of the therapeutic and
self-help approaches do seem to bear some fruit. But overall, whether it be the two word or
the ten word approach, our record for changing behaviors for the better is mixed
at best.
The Lord has his approach too. Rather than rely on our will power (two
words) or fear (ten words), he goes to the heart of the matter, and fixes our
“wanter.” It’s not an overnight matter (see
Romans 7). But over time, by his grace,
forgiveness, healing, and transforming power, we’re changed from the inside
out, so that our desires are more and more to the good.
What a novel concept:
instead of trying to find a way to get us to stop doing what we want to
do, how about changing what we want to do to the good, and then saying “go for
it!”
That’s just one part of the
abundant life Jesus brings. But it’s a
good one. And along the way our laughter
moves from the sardonic to the joyful, a very good sign indeed!
Blessings,
Keith
