With One Foot Raised

This was the recurring phrase used in a sermon I just finished listening to. Back in September, Sam Storms gave a message on a certain theme from the life of John Calvin. (Whether that name is loved or hated, it is a name that has undeniably changed the face of Western Civilization in the past 500 years. Since July 10 of last year was his 500th birthday, much was made of his life and contribution during 2009.) I was unaware until recently of the amount of physical suffering that he endured during his life. He dealt with chronic intestinal disorders, gout, ongoing severe headaches, and numerous other painful afflictions. But in spite of all these things, he accomplished a great deal of good for the church and never lost heart in what he was doing. I said "in spite of," but as I listened to this message, I learned it was more accurately "because of" these things.

Throughout his writings, he often reflected on heaven and its value to us as we live on earth. He showed how he had learned that God often sends us these trials because he loves us and wants us to remember that we are not at home in this world. In fact, being driven from our homes due to financial hardship or persecution is actually helpful to us because it teaches us how to be pilgrims. The same can be said for sicknesses--they teach us that our body is dying. And so that we might not think inordinately highly of marriage or family, he may even send us marital trouble or children who bring grief. God is not only the source of all good and happiness, he is goodness and happiness. Yet in our sinfulness we are so spring-loaded to grasp too tightly onto any good thing he gives us on earth and soothe our finiteness with something just as temporary. So in his kindness God has to pull those things away from us at times to drive us to himself.

Calvin wrote of how he had learned--because of his great suffering--to always live "with one foot raised and ready to make his departure." And so we are to follow his example. As Sam Storms eloquently illustrated this, "Plant a garden, or plant a church--with one foot raised. Enjoy your favorite football team--with one foot raised. Raise a family, learn Greek, run a political campaign--but always do it with one foot raised and ready to depart!"

For those who are interested in hearing this themselves, I'm including the link to the sermon.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/4231/Audio/