If we get our information from the biblical material, there is no doubt that the Christian life is a dancing, leaping, daring life. —Eugene Peterson
Living in the white space—between releasing legalism and living by the Spirit—is dangerous, friends. The restraining nature of the law is gone, but you’re not yet functioning in the power of the Spirit. It’s easy to indulge in whatever pleases you.
Take a look at these two huge areas and see how they differ from each other, depending on whether you’re marching, dancing, or stuck in between:
Marching & Serving You used to be serving, but you only did it because the Sunday announcements left you feeling guilty. No more! Performance-based serving is over.
Dancing & Serving You prayerfully ask God for opportunities to use your gifts and talents. You know He’s prepared these ahead of you, so you keep your eyes peeled to serve.
White Space & Self-Serving It feels so good to be void of obligation! What to do with all this free time? You decide to pursue hobbies and interests. Pretty soon, your calendar is booked with things to do, and there doesn’t seem to be time for anyone else.
Marching & Giving You were taught God demands 10 percent—whether you’re filing for bankruptcy or clearing all of your bills with a surplus. Not anymore. You are free from the tithe. You realize you can stop, so you do.
Dancing & Giving Envisioning freedom, you decide to pay off debt and dream of the day when you have more to give. Or maybe you realize your budget has more than a tenth available to invest in God’s Kingdom, so you sit down with your kids and brainstorm generosity.
White Space & Self-Giving You are so excited to be able to do whatever you want with your money. But you quickly get sucked into materialism. What you once shared, you now invest in yourself. It’s a different kind of slavery.
This white space can swallow us up in self-indulgence. But dancing is focused on the leading of the Spirit. It’s where the adventure is found!
Lord, I don’t want self-love to consume what could be Spirit-led. Self-love leaves me wanting. Instead, I open my hands to You—fill them with Yours and lead me in the dance of sacrifice, selflessness, and service. Amen.