In the movie, The Mask of Zorro, the original “Z”, played by Anthony Hopkins, instructs his younger replacement, Antonio Banderas, in the training circle. According to his swashbuckling wisdom, it is futile to control anything beyond one’s immediate sphere. Yet if one focuses inside a tight radius, he can deal with everything coming from outside it. What a cool lesson! I can apply that in some ways immediately. Why am I so caught up in trying to control or manipulate those outer circumstances or responses that are completely beyond me?
The Christian life, however, espouses a far more significant idea. Within the person, within the circle, there is Christ. It is his power that enables control within the tight radius. How did Jesus say it, “I am the Vine; you are the branches … apart from me you can do nothing.“ Whereas the world claims false abilities, the greater truth is that we can do all things through him who strengthens us.
May your New Year ambitions rise above yourself!