By this you are conquered....

Over the past couple of years I have had this thought in regards to relationships....

If only in revenge I can forgive...
            then by that I have been conquered
If only in their suffering I can feel satisfied...
            then by that I have been conquered
If only in their pain I can release a grudge...
            then by that I have been conquered
If only in their death I can find some peace...
            then by death I have been conquered
But,
If in the fact they are alive I can find peace..
              then by that I live
If in their comfort and well being I seek restitution...
              then by that I live
If in their hope I can be satisfied...
              then by that I live
If in their present situation I can forgive...
              then I live


But I think that this concept goes much further. In all aspects of life we set up boundaries and fences in places where they probably shouldn't be. We define our comfort zone and let that dictate our enjoyment and satisfaction in life. Our hope is in Christ. Our hope is to come.

If I am scared of the boogie man -
            then by the boogie man I have been conquered.
If I am crippled at the thought of natural disasters -
            then by those I have been conquered.
If I am caught up with the trappings of this world -
            then by those I have been conquered.
If I am terrified of violence and crime that might happen -
            then by that I have been conquered
If I am fixated on the happenings of the world and the dangers out there -
            then by those I have been conquered.
If only in perfect peace I can live... then by that ideal I am held.

What is are the dangers of this world if our hope is in Christ. Something that would become in between me and my eternal hope should be something that I am concerned about, and all others I should consider from that.
To be free! When I am not concerned about all these others things - I am free! I am free to be who God created me to be, I am free to worship him in all aspects of my life because I know my hope is greater that anything I can achieve by running away and trying to protect myself.  And, oh, how we will be free when we enter into eternity.

"Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  - Matthew
Laying our burdens down - the worry, the grudges, the work, the stress and take up his. Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbour.

If I have my priorities correct, my first things first - maybe everything else will naturally fall into line.