The Better Story
A Good Story
There is one story I know better than any other. This story is dear to my heart, and I give time and energy to developing it every day. It has happy moments, and sad, and even tragic ones. I think about this story constantly, and I’m always interested in its promulgation. It gets good reviews—-at least from me.
It is the story of my life. I am the hero, and I’m always ready to share it. I admit that the plot is a little weak. (I’m trying to figure out how to give it more “punch,” but doing so brings too many risks.)
The protagonist (me) is all about arranging life to provide more security, comfort, pleasure, influence, and power, for… me.
Writing my story takes about all the time I have. In fact–there is no time for anything else. Despite my best efforts, other players (bit actors really) fail to follow my script, instead living their lives as if they’re part of some other story. I’m constantly re-writing, making revisions to correct problems others create for my story. It’s a story of interruptions and inconveniences, and like I said, the plot isn’t likely to hold your interest.
In fact, I’m a little bored with it myself.
The Better Story
I know a Better Story, but honestly, it scares me. No, it’s not in the horror genre – it’s worse than that. It’s not just a Better Story, it’s the Better Story and it threatens to tear my story apart. I can’t be the hero in the Better Story; in fact, I have only a bit part. And though I have less control of my story than I’d like to admit, I have no control at all of the Better Story.
On the other hand, though my part is minor in the Better Story, that role is far greater than any I have ever imagined.
The Better Story is, of course, the great story–of God expanding His kingdom, of Christ as king. It’s an old story, written over the ages, with new chapters appearing every day. In the Better Story, I have a bit role—participating in His redemptive work in people and in the world around me, a work that both outlasts me and includes me for all eternity.
The plot revolves around the true hero, Jesus Christ the King. I know how the Better Story ends—Christ the King wins the victory. Yet, until that final day, there are many scenes to enact, many battles to fight. He empowers me by His Spirit for spiritual warfare. Best of all, I get to walk daily with my King, growing to know, love, trust, and rest in Him and in His great grace and love for me.
Choosing
Jesus makes it clear I cannot simultaneously pursue my story and His. I have to choose, and choosing requires constantly submitting to the King. Many times each day I must put aside my small story and embrace His epic tale. My personal story constantly whispers in my ear, calling me to come back.
But today I’ll say “no!” to my minor story in favor of God’s great story. Why not join me? He has a part for all of us to play where we serve on and for the universities of the world.
— John Peterson, Faculty Commons
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