Learning the ‘Dance of Becoming’
I love the gentle sway of this sea grass. It reminds me of the unforced rhythms of God’s great grace.
Dance of Becoming…
The imagery in these words grabbed my imagination one early morning several weeks ago. They came to mind often during a recent visit to the ocean.
I believe the primary purpose for Christ followers is to grow more and more into the character of Jesus. Although we’ll never be on a par with Jesus, who is in all ways perfect, we are invited to join Jesus in the Dance of Becoming.
Matthew 11:28-30 is a beautiful invitation. I love the way Eugene Peterson translates Jesus’ words in The Message.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Emphasis mine)
Nothing is more elegant than observing a person of faith who has learned to sway to the “unforced rhythms of God’s grace!”
I watch Dancing with the Stars occasionally and have seen learning a new dance is filled with challenge and complication.
Missteps happen.
Practice is required.
An encouraging instructor is essential.
As I consider these three points, I wonder, what will help me as I’m learning the Dance of Becoming more like Jesus.
Foundational is the unconditional love of God-the-Father. The Apostle Paul, who began his dance of becoming during a dramatic incident on the Road to Damascus (see Acts 9), says of God,
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38)
That assurance keeps me from giving up when discouraged. Despite missteps, I’m convinced God never stops loving me!
Next, I practice becoming more like God-the-Son in two essential ways:
Study. The Bible is filled with information about Jesus. Gaining knowledge is vital, but...
Like Bob Goff says, there comes a point when I need to stop “Bible study” and start “Bible doing.” [i]
The best way I know to practice being like Jesus is through observing and then trying to mimic how Jesus speaks, responds to different people, and makes personal choices, as recorded in the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
In addition to the Gospels, Jodi Detrick’s book, The Jesus-Hearted Woman-10 Leadership Qualities for Enduring and Endearing Influence inspired me.
Finally, I can trust God-the-Spirit to instruct me. Of the Holy Spirit, Jesus told his disciples,
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (John 14:26 NLT)
When I get serious and become intentional about learning the Dance of Becoming, I will encounter obstacles including criticism.
I am learning (although I must admit, this is difficult, and I am often not successful at first) that as I experience the unforced rhythms of God’s grace toward me I can:
trust the Holy Spirit more than the opinion and approval of others,
listen without defensiveness,
consider another’s viewpoint,
examine my own heart prayerfully, and
move on, and in turn, extend God’s grace to others.
I pray God will bless each of us who wish to participate in the Dance of Becoming…
[i] Love Does, Bob Goff, Chapter 29, Memorizing Jesus
