The roller coaster left the station, and it heads for the first loop. I see it just ahead of us, and it is getting closer. The climb becomes steeper and steeper until it hits that peak. You feel like you are on top of the world. Two seconds later you’re going down so fast you wonder if you forgot to bring your stomach along with you. It is the most horrifying feeling and the most exhilarating feeling you’ll ever experience! Some are thinking, “How fast can I get off this ride!” Others wonder, “How soon can they get back on”?
I WASN’T LOOKING FOR A ROLLER COASTER
Joining the Colson Project was a little like that for me. I wasn’t looking to get on the roller coaster. To become a Colson Fellow, you must sign up for a 10-month program. It involves monthly zoom meetings, reading recommended books (about 14) and answering questions regarding what you read. Other requirements are following a weekly devotional, videos, and different projects on the Colson website. In other words, if you don’t like getting on rollercoasters, then stay away!
For me, this rollercoaster ride is almost over; only a month to go. People usually ask me the same question “Was it worthwhile?” I generally answer with, “Yes and no.” (I am a very decisive person…).
CHRIST’S ROLLER COASTER
When I think of the rollercoaster of an earthly life Christ lived while He was on this earth, I realize the bar was set very high. Yes, He found the appropriate time to rest his body, but the remaining time He spent “doing His Father’s business”. Jesus always preached to peoples’ needs. He was a mentor to His disciples and a teacher of the grace of God. Jesus consistently found time to heal those around Him. Christ realized what work could do for the physical body but more importantly what it accomplishes in the spiritual body.
OUR LACK OF STAMINA
His life was more than a physical marathon with a little bit of sweat thrown in; it was a test of the mind. We as Christians don’t seem to have the mental stamina that it takes to stand up to the culture in which we live. We give in to everything that Satan throws at us. Paul said in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
TRANSFORMATION IS POSSIBLE
So, how do we do that? How do we transform our minds so that they are in conformity with what God wants? Do we all have to become Colson Fellows so that we can submit our minds to His will? No, not at all! You can start by signing up for some of the Adult Bible Classes that are taught at GCC or some similar church. What about getting involved in a small group that is focused on the Word of God? You can begin your own study of the Word by getting into a book like “30 Days to Understanding the Bible” by Max Anders. Ultimately it is up to YOU! It is up to you to renew your mind and it takes exercise and effort to get on that roller-coaster. This is a wild ride of ups and downs.
Dallas Willard says in his book “Renovation of the Heart”: “Now clearly, our thoughts are one of the most basic sources of our life. They determine the orientation of everything we do and evoke the feelings that frame our world and motivate our actions.” This is why we need to renew our minds, so that we can orient our thoughts, our actions, to those of Jesus Christ. Afterall, the Bible says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5). Get ready for the ride!