Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15
“It would indeed be best for you to leave the Valley for the High Places, and I will very willingly take you there myself. The lower slopes of those mountains on the other side of the river are the borderland of my Father’s Kingdom, the Realm of Love. No Fears of any kind are able to live there because ‘perfect love casteth out fear and everything that torments.’” Much-Afraid stared at him in amazement. “Go to the High Places,” she exclaimed, “and live there? Oh, if only I could!
Hannah Hurnard in Hinds’ Feet on High Places (Carol Stream: Tyndale, 1975) 7-8.
Today’s post comes from a classic allegory that portrays the journey of God’s children to press on to new heights of Christian maturity. If you have not read it, click above to download the PDF. It is the story of a young woman, Much Afraid, and her journey from her Fearing family and into the High Places of the Shepherd, and she travels there with two companions, Sorrow and Suffering.
God brought this allegory to my mind as I was praying for those I am serving here in India. Meetings went well in Mumbai, then I speak Hyderabad on Wednesday, Kolkata on Thursday, and New Delhi on Friday. Those I am serving are drawn not merely by the knowledge I am sharing but that the truth comes with love, perfect love that casts out fear and inspires them to move to the High Places.
Are you Much-Afraid? Seriously, does your generosity reflect that you live like you believe the Father’s promises are true and that He cares for you better than you could ever dream of caring for yourself. I find that when ministry leaders administrate in fear, it reflects the reality of their own situations. Fear dominates their own lives. They aim to avoid rather than embrace Sorrow and Suffering.
Those I have served here have thanked me for helping release them from the fear with truth spoken with love. I pray that wherever you are, if you are reading this, that you will head to the High Places. Live in the realm of love. Do this and with Sorrow and Suffering you will realize that you are on this earth to enjoy and share the abundant blessings of the Father. That’s kind and generous living at its best.