Are We There Yet?
Pastor Tom Millner
March 2, 2008
Philippians: 2:1-11, Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-11
 Are We There Yet?When our kids were about 7 and 9, we bought our first motor home. We all piled into our fully stocked, ready to travel vehicle and set out on our first of many family trips to different and exciting places. As we reached cruising speed on the local interstate, I announced from the driver’s seat that the words “are we there yet?” would no longer be allowed. The motor home was there, no matter where the motor home happened to be! Therefore, there was no longer the need to identify location – we were in it. You see, the motor home was simply the vehicle which contained all the things we needed. Getting somewhere else was inconsequential. I’m not sure they really got the concept, but they nevertheless refrained from asking that frightful question – “are we there yet?” Seeking the Feeling…Many of us are like kids when it comes to the Christian journey. We ask; “have I arrived yet?” “Am I a mature Christian yet?” “What can I do to speed it along?” We ask these questions and try to find the answers in all sorts of ways because we believe “There” is something special that’s going to make us FEEL so much better than we do now. We want to BE someplace –other than where we are. What we’re saying is “if I was REALLY spiritually connected and within God’s will, I would FEEL differently about myself, my surroundings, my church, my life, etc. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  And it continues: “be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Who demonstrated the “perfect” will of God? – Jesus… “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross.” Made himself nothing… taking on the very nature of a servant.  Looking Out For # 1We’re socialized to “be all that we can be” – meaning I have to become something – something more, something more important – someone more – someone more important – in our own eyes. We’re in the throes of a heated political season where there is significant vying for the number 1 position. Each candidate is presenting a verbal picture of why he or she is better than anyone else to be called “leader.” We watch in fascination (and sometimes fright) as the process unfolds that will determine the person who will be elevated to the top slot. We watch also with fascination this week the unfolding story of the handsome young prince who took on the nature of the common man to fight in the front lines of battle against an enemy – giving up his position of wealth and privilege to have a chance to be an “ordinary” man. To him, ordinary was extraordinary. What these two scenarios have in common is the human desire to be somewhere other than where we experience ourselves each day – a desire to arrive at a place where we can truly say – I’ve arrived! -Are we there yet? The Economy of the KingdomThe economy of the Kingdom of God is the opposite of that of this world. When in the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 10 Jesus says “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,” he is not speaking about the sparkling new Mercedes or the penthouse apartment – or whatever we fathom as being THIS life to the full. He really doesn’t care about that! What he cares about is the heart that can be emptied of pride and self-interest to the degree that He can come into it, transform it into one of service to His Kingdom and have us bear the fruit that is the natural consequence of His presence in us. In that realm – the poor of self are rich in Him – the one who is elevated is the servant of all – the most is the least. There’s a perception trap here, if we’re not careful… We may be tempted to put on a face of false humility as the suffering servant in an effort to gain recognition for our servant-hood and thus be “elevated” to a place of esteem… That’s the antithesis of what Paul was charging the Philippians with – that’s pure and simple pride at work. Investment Requires Our AllIn the 13^th chapter of the Gospel of John, we read the story of Jesus taking off his outer garment – laying aside self – and taking on the role of slave – to wash the feet of His Disciples.  He invests in the economy of the Kingdom – the investment requires the dying to self – the return on the investment is the finding of the self that He intends us to be – the self that is no longer conformed to the pattern of this world, but is transformed by the renewing of mind – to know the will of the one who invested the most on our account. The Time to Invest is Now.So, our quest is not for the “there” somehow, but for the here and now – poured out, to be filled not with our own selfish desires, but with the substance of the One who inspires a life of service.Be emptied and get fullDie and liveGive and receiveAsk – you will receiveSeek – you will findKnock – it will be opened to you.

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