Hunting Season

Growing up in Texas in some ways was like growing up in an issue of "Field and Stream." Not that I did much hunting myself—but I had a father, brother, uncles, grandfathers, and cousins who did regularly. I have multiple memories of the women waving goodbye as the guys donned their camo, loaded the pickup trucks, and sat out on hunting trips. Very manly.

Now, hunting is NOT what normally comes to mind when I read something by C.J. Mahaney. But since reading chapter 8 in his Humility book (my department at work is going through it together), I keep asking myself this question: Am I a good hunter?

I'm not talking about deer hunting, or squirrel hunting, or anything else involving forest animals or shotguns. I'm talking about grace hunting.

Am I a grace hunter? In other words, do I find joy in intentionally, actively seeking out evidences of God’s grace in other people?

Here’s something to consider: how much easier is it to be aware of people’s sin than of God’s grace in their lives? We usually notice when there are special, "spectacular" evidences of God’s grace, but it's easy to be oblivious to the little day-to-day outflows—instead picking up on various faults and foibles. But God is always working in His people, and His grace shows itself all the time. Thus the need for grace hunting—for intentionally finding and pointing out the Lord's work—the fruits of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, etc.—in others. Now, this undeniably will take work. Hunting is by definition an active, intentional activity. It takes awareness, alertness, deliberation, patience—and a desire to find what you're hunting

But grace hunting has to be worth the effort. Talk about encouragement. It spurs others on, helping them to be more aware of what God is doing, and builds up the body. It causes more glory and thankfulness to God to overflow. AND it develops humility in us. It changes our attitudes, replacing criticism toward others with love for them and gratitude to the Lord. And it draws us back to the cross again and again, acknowledging our own inherent sinfulness and the incredible transformation the Spirit has worked and is working in us as a result of what Christ has done.

In the end, it makes us able to honestly say to each other, as Paul did to the Corinthians (who admittedly were not a perfect group of believers!), "I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus that in everything you were enriched in Him...so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 1:4-8).

So, my goal is to make the next few weeks my own experimental "hunting season." I want to develop more intentionality and awareness in hunting out the “little” ways God’s grace is on display in my roommates, coworkers, family, and friends. Should be interesting! I doubt I'll end up with a deer head to mount on the wall, but hopefully what I end up with will be a lot better.