Slideshow image

As a child I could sense that my behavior was less than acceptable by the piercing glare of my watchful father. The look from my father could cut steel better than any plasma cutter and was more powerful than kryptonite. If the look was not successful in bringing about improved behavior then I was generally not far from a woodshed discussion. In later life I came to know a woodshed discussion as a personal realignment opportunity. Woodshed discussions can be good.

The concept of the woodshed discussion is actually quite appropriate in reshaping our Christian lives. Consider that the term, to shed, implying to cast off or repel. In the early days of frontier life, it was also used to refer to a parting or separation. What happens when we shed unwanted worldly baggage or habits and move one step closer to righteous behavior? Are Christian realignment discussions about traveling to a place to evaluate behavior and cast-off bad habits?

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Righteousness is the concept of living in accord with the covenant of Christ. Our overarching mission in righteous living is twofold. Love our God with all our heart, all our abilities and all our being; and care for our neighbors on the same terms as we hold ourselves. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither."1 Our goals of faithful living are a high standard and we aren’t perfect, but God measures the effort
in which we continue to pursue heaven.

“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by
faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'”
Romans 1:17

As young analyst, fresh out of graduate school, I deemed my research approach as generally always right. It was after the frequent realignment sessions from a caring supervisor that I began to learn important lessons in hard work, unselfish service, consideration of the others, and the value of humility. The painful blows to my ego proved to be in my best interest and the beginning of learning, and the wise realignment by my mentor helped to mold my career. When we look back and reassess our tough times perhaps we can visualize God’s hand gently realigning our priorities and humbly teaching us important lessons in life. We learn to seek the Lord’s wisdom learning that righteous behavior leads to a life abundant in Christ.

“And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,
but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on
the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:9

Actually, I still need to venture to the woodshed from time to time to re-evaluate my behavior and my life. There are those times that I need to decide what elements or trappings of the world I don’t need, or those that represent sin, or a less than acceptable attitude with my neighbors. In our busy lives finding the time to reassess can be challenging. Finding the humility to see our faults may be even more challenging.

When we faithfully accept the Holy Spirit in our lives we are slowly forged and tempered much like a steel plowshare. The plowshare is that first cutting edge of steel that parts the earth and makes way for the blade that turns the earth. Our constant evaluation (plowing) of our lives, and attempts at righteous living, influence the world around us and bring us a life abundant. Am I due for another woodshed discussion with our Lord Jesus?

Prayer: Jesus, teach us Your ways and grant us the steel to live a life that is pleasing to You. Guide us in reevaluating our lives, seeking Your wisdom, and walking in Your path. Lead us to a life abundant found in serving the Living Lord. Amen.

1 https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/234594-the-joyful-christian.

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.