“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” ~ Matthew 6:25–34
We many times use or hear phrases like “reconcile our hearts” or “reconcile the issue of…” and “reconcile ourselves” when we’re among church going people. It’s usually as we prepare for Godly worship and/or prayer. It struck me today that many people will say or hear the phrase without truly considering what statements like this really mean.
I have my own thoughts, but looked up the term “reconcile” over at the Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry website, where it defines reconcile as…
…the change of relationship between God and man. We are naturally children of wrath (Eph. 2:3), and are at enmity with God (Eph. 2:11-15); but, “…we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son…” (Rom. 5:10). Because of the death of Jesus, the Christian’s relationship with God is changed for the better. We are now able to have fellowship with him (1 John 1:3) whereas before we could not. So, we are reconciled to him (Rom. 5:10-11). The problem of sin that separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) has been addressed and removed in the cross. It was accomplished by God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:18).
Wowsers. That’s a lot of words, thoughts and concepts. And I guess this is why I started thinking about the concept.
Having worked in a credit union for well over a decade, I’ve come to terms with the reality that “reconcile” has become largely antiquated throughout our society as the use of online and mobile banking have ushered the practice of being connected to one’s financial information all day every day. Combine that with the fact that people are getting their statements and check images electronically, getting automated deposits and making many withdrawals a day through debit card purchases and it’s easy to recognize that the one-time monthly ritual of “reconciling your checkbook” has become a lost art. Personally, I haven’t reconciled my checkbook since 2003!
It goes without saying that this was the most common application of “reconciliation” throughout our culture. But today, it’s no longer applicable. We do, however, understand and relate to the idea of “balance” – which is still widely applicable.
To suggest that life is “out of balance” provides a quick and universally relatable understanding that I may be overwhelmed, have misplaced priorities, incompatible demands and, overall, a chaotic lifestyle either momentarily or perpetually.
But, saying that my “life is not reconciled” would cast confusion in the minds of many. So, let’s look at that definition.
For the most part, this definition has to do with the relationship between God and man, just as it says in the first words. This is an important distinction, because it acknowledges Christ’s atoning for our sins and sinful nature (see 2 Corinthians 5:18). For, without it, we are separated from God. In other words, we are out of CORRECT balance.
You see, when you reconcile your checkbook, you’re aim is to make sure you have a correct balance. As you reconcile, you are seeking correctness.
With that understanding, look at how this is applicable on a daily level. We sin daily, whether in thought or action. Sometimes, we do so consciously and sometimes without even realizing it. We cannot reconcile ourselves – restore the proper balance of our lives – with God on our own. We must pray for balance. We must repent and ask for that restoration of balance – that reconciliation on a daily basis.
And then, we must set out to do what we can to maintain that balance. Perfection is not the goal – rather, we must look at our relationship with God and the ways of this world and then examine with honest eyes. Are our hearts corrupt with ambitions that are in conflict with the King’s plan for your life and His kingdom? Have we grown so overwhelmed with our own anxieties that we’ve become fearful of our every action (or inaction)?
We fear the future because we trust in our own abilities, and then we realize that we have no real power over what lies ahead of us. However, the Lord holds the future in His hand (Prov. 16:1, 9), and we must trust Him for our security. (See “Dealing with Anxiety” from Ligonier Ministries).
Let us regularly seek out balance in our lives by asking God for reconciliation. Moreover, let us regularly ask for the ability to recognize a need for reconciliation so we can not only overcome the troubles of the day, but in those times we have fallen, we have the ability to rise up for the Glory of His kingdom.