“Jesus promised his disciples three things – that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” -- G.K. Chesterton
There is a difference between one who stirs the pot in order to better blend the ingredients and one who stirs it in order to see some spill out. The first has improvement in his mind while the second has nothing. The first has a purpose envisioned that determines the number and intensity of the swirls while the second may stir violently just the once or repetitively and subtly. Since the first has an end in mind, their stirring, likewise, comes to an end; the second, however, may go on stirring endlessly or until everything in the pot ends up outside of it.
Jesus got into trouble. He chose the trouble He got into. He didn't get into trouble by accident or for no other reason than being in trouble. Jesus did not seek out trouble per se, He sought the will of His Father and gladly accepted the trouble that came with it. In this world, following God will mean colliding with the world. In that regard, we must also be not only willing to get into trouble if it should come looking for us, but be willing to seek it out and hunt it down when faithfulness demands it. We must not be mess averse, but we must not make messes without good reason.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
The promise of God is that we won't go it alone and that we will enjoy the ride, however long it lasts, wherever it takes us, and whenever it ends. Christians should be stirring the pot in order to improve the stew, but we shouldn't mix things up just for the sake of the mess it makes.
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