The Pause that Transforms

For many years, Coke's tag line was "the pause that refreshes." There is a pause that not only refreshes, but it also transforms us spiritually.

God has given humans the ability to reason in a way that is totally unique to the rest of creation. We have the ability to stop and think before we respond. Unfortunately, most of us just react to things that happen in our lives. Those reactions often bring with them negative consequences.

As followers of Jesus we are called to align ourselves with His way and become more like Him--that's why we are called "Christians"--"little Christs."

This is a process that never ends. Nietzsche's "long obedience in the same direction" points us to a journey of life-long learning and practice. As we learn to obey God, following the example and teachings of Jesus, we become more and more like Him.

How does that happen? When we encounter all the difficult people and problems in our lives, we have the God-given ability to "stop and think" about it. You press the "pause" button and consider how to respond in a way that would honor God and demonstrate the love and character of Jesus.

Sometimes this pause is just a matter of seconds. It could take longer, however. You may need to pray, reflect, read the Bible, and ask a spiritual mentor before responding. At other times, you may only have time for a quick prayer--"Lord Jesus help me to respond like You would"--before you take action. Either way, this is the pause that can tranform us from being reactionary to living in the Way of Jesus--literally bringing the Kingdom of God into contact with the kingdom of this world!

It will never be easy, but it is possible to live a life that is more like Jesus by pressing the pause button before you react. As you practice the pause, you get better at it. It isn't as difficult to know what to do because you are learning how to live like Jesus.

Try it this week. Become a person who is known as one who is a reflection of the One in whom you believe--Jesus. Take the pause that transforms!