Reverse Hierarchy

How do I connect - again?

In a recent conversation with my friend Phil Woolley, pastor of Rye Lane Chapel in London, we began discussing holiness and how to pursue holiness. It was an honest desire to step into a new understanding. Maybe even a new depth and revelation of holiness. When from that place, that only God knows how it got there, I said…

”We are replacing the person of holiness, with the pursuit of holiness. Holiness is not the pursuit we should aim for."

This began a quest for a new connection with Jesus and a new series of posts based on that journey where I am finding a deeper friendship, and revelation truth of his Kingship.

THE SET UP: When we make our pursuit of anything but Jesus himself, the focus is then set on the outcome. Setting our focus on his presence, holiness, goodness, justice, etc... These are the outcomes of pursuing Jesus, for Jesus is holiness, presence, goodness, et al!

In seeking holiness itself, we will never fully walk in it because we don't reach holiness by pursuing it. That's creating a reverse hierarchy where we have decided to turn from following the King’s agenda to creating our own agenda that focuses on the outcomes, such as holiness. It's placing the cart before the horse.

Therefore, our one pursuit should be Jesus, and then holiness and much more will be added to us. We should seek first the kingdom of God, and then all things will be added to us. To make Jesus our pursuit is the beginning and end. Jesus is in all, through all, and for all. "So, Byron, we know this! Are you suggesting something else?" Yes, I say there's a problem.

HERE’S THE PROBLEM: Me. I am taking part in the reversed hierarchy. I have traded my pure and simple pursuit of Jesus for the pursuit of the outcomes.

I've had this experience before. I'm about as good at this as the nation of Israel. I turn to my man-made idols, then discover my misgivings (thanks Father), followed by repenting and stepping back into the relationship that comes from simply seeking Jesus. Repentance is the easy part. Understanding repentance as a blessing makes it easy. The difficulty is discovering how to connect with Jesus -AGAIN! Which brought to mind a few questions.

• How do I build my friendship in this season with him?

• What can I do to connect with him?

• Where do I begin?

NOW WHAT: Fortunately, as I was asking these questions, it made sense to turn the corner and ask the One I want my quest to be with.

Having written these past two posts (read Sequestered and Agendized), I now know how to continue. I will begin sharing my journey to connect with Jesus, my joys, expectations, and frustrations, ultimately knowing it will lead me to a deeper relationship with him. As a friend and as the King. Friendship will release a deeper love while knowing him fuller as the King will bring a knowledge of his majesty and power.

Next week's post, How My Imagination Met Jesus.

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