When the Apostle Paul was in prison and nearing his execution, he wrote these words in the Epistle to the Philippians, “To live is Christ, to die is gain. (Phil. 1:21). As he wrote these words, he gave us an example of a life that was defined by a passion to serve a mission bigger than himself. A life that was beautiful and true. A life where he didn’t take the easy way out, and he certainly didn’t play it safe.
Years ago, C.S. Lewis wrote a book called The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It was a fantasy book. It is one of those stories where animals talk and relate like human beings. When I was younger, I read all seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia in like two years. Later I learned that C.S. Lewis was a believer in Jesus, and he wrote this entertaining book to teach children some truths and values of the kingdom of God.
Lucy, one of the main characters in the story, goes to Narnia. And she talks to a couple of beavers. The beavers keep talking about this Savior named Aslan being “on the move”. Lucy asks if Aslan is a man. Mr. Beaver replies,
Aslan a man? Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the song of the emperor beyond the sea. Don’t you know that he is the King of Beasts? Alsan is the Lion, the great Lion”
Ooh! Said Susan, who was Lucy’s sister. I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall rather feel nervous about meeting a lion.”
“That you will, dearie, and make no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver, “If there is anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”
“Then he isn’t safe,” said Lucy
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Don’t you hear what Mr. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about being safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he is good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
When C.S. Lewis tells us this story, he wants to remind us of the truth: God is not our teddy bear in the sky. God is not Mr. Rogers. (Although Mr. Rogers had many good lessons to teach us.) God does not put on his cosmic sweater vest and loafers and try and make us feel cozy enough that we will want to pretend we are his neighbor and buddy for an hour or two a week. God is not our codependent in the sky, eager to make excuses for our sins.
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