The gravity of man

We’re all acquainted with the basic principles of gravity. What goes up, must, and will come down. Anchored to earth by an unseen magnet, forcing our feet downwards on a daily basis.  We share dreams of escape, delighting in the ever-popular fantasy of flight. Imagine! Soaring effortlessly through the sky without the constraint of earth bound efforts.

Lately, a different kind of gravity has grabbed my attention.  A pulling power in the heart of man, in the heart of Mia, constantly forcing me in one direction. Downwards. The inexplicable tendency to hurt ourselves, to hurt others, and to react selfishly and destructively.

Not because we choose to, or even want to, but in the weirdest of ways – we continually tend to. Gravitating towards bad choices, bad emotions, and even bad people, who in turn are only slaves to their own gauntlets of gravity. Jesus confirms this force in Mark 7: “ For from within, out of the heart of men proceed the evil thoughts, wickedness, pride, foolishness…”

When we’re disappointed, we become cynical. When tired, we’re irritated.  We feel threatened and we lash out. We’re hurt and we self-destruct. Every time. Unless, by some miracle, defying our very own laws of gravity – we access the sweet spot of inward aero dynamics. A carefully crafted vehicle allowing us to place our earth-drawn bodies and natures on air-bound seats. A structure and system keeping us up, despite our inbuilt nature to be dragged down.

Luckily for us, and thankfully for Mia, Jesus has a way of defying the odds. Making a way where there seems to be none.  I don’t have to follow my earth-bound feet, heart or nature. I can fly! Or, more correctly – I know someone Who can, and He’s proven Himself very willing to take me along.

So these days, when I recognize the tugging inside myself and others towards bad choices, I choose to remember that there’s an alternative. A law and force strong enough to defy the one committed towards dragging me down. Lately I’m not as prone to submit to Newton’s nagging, and I’m re-discovering my taste for airborne adventures.

Of this old truth I am fully persuaded: the gravity inside me has the intention and ability to destroy me and to destroy others. But, despite this pulling power there’s a higher law, opposing the first. Allowing me to take flight in so many ways.  To say no, to forgive, to sacrifice for others, to be good to myself, to try again, to hope.

Placing my feeble feet and frame in the hands of the One who operate in freedom’s name.

“Because through Jesus Christ, the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death. “ (Rom 8) Eureka! Buckle up Buttercups, this is one sweet ride.