It has been recently revealed to me, that I have been the "third wheel" in my spiritual relationship with God. In the same way that the third wheel becomes an inconvenience and gets in the way of progress (whether accidentally or on purpose) I had made sure that I was in control of my spiritual life. I had the reigns, and God was not even my co-pilot, sure he was imprortant, but he was not the driving force that compelled me to move forward. Rather I had decided that it was best for me to be in full control and that whatever I thought to be right would best serve me.
I KNEW what was right for me, or so I thought. I can run my life, God is just the fire insurance that I need, because the blood of his son cleansed me from all sin. This is far from true because God is on our side, Jesus is rooting for us, and the Holy Spirit is compelling us to better things. I trust others to help me with my life more that I allowed God to guide me to live to the fullest I can and listen to his councel. He knows the plans he has for me, and even though I like to "play it safe" and "speed through the boring parts" He will allow things to be put in my way to change my outlook. Sometimes his speed bumps nudge us in the right direction, and other times the trials we face are life-changing.
If we are even backseat driving and/or acting as the controller, we are actually a third wheel. We are preventing progress in our relationship with God, we judge what he is supposed to judge, we don't forgive what is to be forgiven (especially ourselves), and we mess with His plans for our success. Sure, we may not think that we are doing wrong by avoiding certain situations (and we are commanded to in 1 Thessalonians 5), but if we guard our life so much that we are not obeying God, or obtaining his wisdom through trials (James 5), we are not doing what is right. And that is WRONG. He should be glorified in all situations, he made us for that purpose, and if we miss oppurtunites to love others because of how we selfishly guide our lives that is a sin.
Paul tell us that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit and that he will give us what we need. We just have to believe that and not doubt. We have to trust that our time with God is a time to build our relationship and trust in him. Not just so that we can be with him, but so that we can grow (both stronger and closer to him). He has to be our "First things First," our "Almighty," and our confidant. We have to trust that he is leading us through love and faithfulness as I read in Proverbs 16 today (verse 6) and we must accept that he accepts every attempt that we make, even when we feel we have failed, or will fail if we try. Because he has sealed us and separated us for his plan, we should follow his guidance because he will not let us fall.
If we are driving, it seems that God is the inconvenience. It is time to give God the reigns...There is love and forgiveness down his road....a path much more certain as he will provide for us in time of need. He will make sure we will not go without what we need. We must not be the third wheel either...controlling our lives is not what we are made for. Yes, God gave us that free choice...but we should choose to only trust him now. He will give us the stuff of our dreams far beyond what we can imagine (ask or think). He wants us to succeed. We must let Him. It is time to ride at His breast, by His side, and under His wings. He is our refuge and strength. He knows what is best for us...for our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows.
To what is best and ending the Third-wheel relationship,
Joeyb
