Flying High Above Neuschwanstein: Victory Series, Conclusion
When we first
saw the Neuschwanstein castle in Germany, I was particularly attracted to the
unusual activity in the sky. Numerous hang gliders drifted through the air,
enjoying the flight of a lifetime. Not only could they admire their earthly
surroundings from way up in on high, but they could also enjoy a view of the
castle from numerous different perspectives that those of us who were bound to
the Earth weren't privy to.
I was fascinated by the idea that by themselves, none of the flyers would have
been able to enjoy the height of the sky, as none of them could fly on their
own. After all, we humans didn't come equipped with wings or feathers, and we
are a bit too heavy to make a good bird!
Even when using a hang glider none of their own efforts would be enough to make
them be able to fly. They are completely dependent upon the wind to lift them up
in their aluminium alloy or composite-framed fabric wing. Sure, they shift their
body weight to exercise some control, but if there hadn't been any wind, they
would have never be able to fly into the heights of the sky.
We can enjoy the heights of heaven as well. We do not have to be left to the
confines of our earthly addictions. Utter freedom is possible, but not by our
own means. Haven't we often noticed that the more we fight against the flesh,
the more domineering it becomes?
Victory is only available through God's Spirit, who is often referred in the
Bible as a "wind" (See John 3:8). He is the One who will lift us on high, making it possible
for us to admire His handiwork. Our earthly desires will be left in the dust,
blanching in the sun, while we enjoy the unique perspective up in the sky!
Remember these addictions we were lured into? We were kept bound by them through
lies: "There is no truth in him (the evil one). When he lies, he speaks his
native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44 NIV) It is
time we see those lies for what they are. It is time we trust the One who will
give us "life" and lead us to "truth" and "freedom".
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth."
(John 16:13 NIV)
"The Spirit gives life." (2 Cor 3:6 NIV)
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the
sinful nature." (Gal 5:16 NIV)
The view is unbelievable from up here! Wow! Won't you join me? I wonder why I
even paid attention to what kept me bound to earth.
Oh, and by the way, you don't need a hang glider. God's Spirit is the One who
allows you to enjoy the splendors from higher up in heaven. Wow!
Rob Chaffart
