Differentiation

In an earlier post I talked about fusion, particularly the tendency of us humans to fuse with someone with whom we have conflict ("Fusion," November 10 @ 11:59 a.m.). We also can fuse with circumstances, the weather, stress, the seasons -- a whole host of things. Jesus, on the other hand, was a master at differentiation. Look at the gospels. After nearly every significant choice (a healing or a confrontation), He left the scene, found a private place and checked in with His Father. There He reviewed His purpose, gained strength, and re-entered the world.

The ultimate test of Jesus's ability to differentiate must have been the cross. He had passed the baton to his followers just hours before. But now he hung with only one of those Twelve nearby, the Apostle John. His life's work would be carried on by these frightened, cowering crew.

Jesus's Father had even abandoned Him. "Father, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus cried.

On one side a criminal mocked Him and on the other another criminal asked how to be saved. In pain from nails in his hands, thorns on his hand, and a back whipped skin-free scraping against the wooden tree, Jesus remembered His purpose and stayed the course. Instead of fusing with and giving into the circumstances, He looked at the thief and said, "Today you shall be with Me in paradise." Then Jesus gave up His spirit. He didn't just die. He gave up His Spirit for all mankind. Jesus kept His sight on the bigger picture. He came to die so that man might live.

I will never live up to Jesus's example, but I want to try. I want to be aligned with the Master and differentiated from the world. I want a purpose bigger than the present, a set of values and morals so firmly entrenched that choosing right from wrong demands little thought.