On the night of my high school graduation, we had an event called “Project Graduation.” If you aren’t familiar with Project Graduation, it is a night full of activities designed to give a safe celebration for the graduating class. That night, we had events such as Sumo Wrestling, a Gyroscope, and the Bungee Run.
The Bungee Run is an inflatable track where the players strap into a harness attached to a bungee rope. The object of the game is to run as far down the track as possible and place a baton on the dividing wall. Whoever gets the farthest wins. This is so simple in theory, especially for a big guy like myself. I remember my first run. I took off as fast as I could. It was easy until the bungee began to stretch. I pushed as hard as I could because I wanted to win. I gave it my best effort. Then it happened… I found myself flying through the air backward, tumbling all the way to the starting line. The bungee rope won.
I like to think of Salvation as coming into God’s home. Salvation is the doorway where we are saved by Grace through Faith. (Eph. 2:8) When we get inside, we get the proper attire, the armor of God. We put on the breastplate of righteousness, however somehow, we let someone attach a bungee rope of religion to that breastplate. We begin to walk through this marvelous home. However, as we take in the beauty, we feel a pull at our backs. Rather than ask the Father for help, we think this is part of it, so we begin to strive. We try harder. We give it all we have.
Does this sound familiar? You are not alone. Paul wrote this to the Galatian church: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:1 – 3)
I know it sounds tempting to follow a set of rules in order to get closer to God. However, the Law was designed to let us know we cannot make it on our own; no matter how hard we strive. We eventually come to the end of ourselves.
I encourage new believers to walk into Daddy’s House and rest in the finished works of Christ. If anyone tries to put that bungee rope on your back, slap their hand away. Trust me, it’s no fun getting pulled back and landing on your head.
Those who have been around a while, who have pulled against the bungee rope of religion, I encourage you to rest in what Christ did for us. Disconnect the bungee. Explore all God has for you without fear. Relax. It was never about your efforts in the fist place.
DAN TURNER JR. 