DIVINE MEMORABILIA

Draw the Line

This is where I draw the line
This is the where the old me dies
Light a match, let it burn, kiss it goodbye,
Giving up what I was
This is where I draw the line
— Draw the Line, Disciple

Has a tune ever gotten a hold of you so much that you can't stop listening to it? Lately, mine has been "Draw the Line" by Disciple. If there was ever an anthem of my heart, it would be this song. The lyrics craft a prayer for God to "burn me up" until there's nothing left but God Himself. It's a commitment to stop choosing the sin that blackens the lantern of our hearts and let God blast His magnificent light through instead.

We try so hard to do the right thing, but no matter how much we plan, how good our intentions are, how passionately we chase, the truth is that without God, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But there is hope for the human race. With Jesus, we can do whatever good thing God wants us to do (Philippians 4:13)—and more.

I used to think that choosing Jesus was a one-time thing, a 180 conversion experience. But really, this "giving up what I was" thing needs to be a daily practice. I didn't become perfect when I accepted Christ as my Savior. Far from it. Maybe I know better now. Yes, I have the Holy Spirit to guide me. But that does not mean that I always do what is right.

We need to choose to let God take over in every instance because we are so apt to run ahead, wander off, or pick up the trash on the side of the road. We get lost. We get dirty. We get scared. We look around ourselves and wonder how we got here. We look at our smudged hands and cheeks, and we don't even recognize ourselves anymore.

How awesome it is that God can burn off the grime and muck I accumulate as I stumble through life. All I must do is choose to draw the line between my futile navigation efforts and the moment I let God grab my hand and take off running with glorious laughter. Then when I let go and stagger and slip, I'll do it again. With a grubby toe, I draw a line in the road and step over to take His waiting hand again. Then we are off and running once more—with fire on our heels.

God is powerful enough to change any heart at any time in any circumstance. It doesn't matter who you are or what you have done. He can burn off the dross to reveal the purified silver inside of you. He can do it every day. Every hour if necessary. I believe in a God who can do that. I count on it every second. God, set me on fire.

Burn me up, burn me up,
Burn me all the way,
Till there's nothing left but You
This is where I draw the line

Photo Credit: Mary Nikkel Photography

comments powered by Disqus

Published 8-1-13