Invitation

Often there is a desire to grow in God, but the vines of the enemy wrap around us, keeping us earthbound. Entangled in our own selfishness and fleshly concerns, we finally come to the point where we realize that nothing we can do in our own strength can free us. We are enslaved, and the only way to "escape" is to ask another master to take control. While it seems counter-intuitive, this invitation for God's spiritual invasion is the only way to freedom.

The English Metaphysical poet John Donne (1572-1631) describes this better than anyone in his Holy Sonnet XIV.

Batter my heart, three-person'd God, for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurp'd town to'another due,
Labor to'admit you, but oh, to no end;
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captiv'd, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly'I love you, and would be lov'd fain,
But am betroth'd unto your enemy;
Divorce me,'untie or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you'enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

(photo by Mark Maclean under Creative Commons)