Whose Life Is It Anyway?

William Ernest Henley penned these words over one hundred years ago during the days of the Victorian enlightenment when the ideas of Darwin and Nietzsche felt fresh and when the sacred ideals of Christianity were out of touch and careening toward extinction. The verse strikes a chord within us because something in it appeals to our instinctive knowledge that courageous resolve is virtuous.

In truth, the poem’s power to inspire humanity comes from the fact that it directly seduces the sinful, fallen, prideful nature of the unregenerated and unsurrendered soul. It is a close counterfeit to the bravery and determination found in true greatness; thus, it stirs admiration from within us. The title of the complete text, “Invictus,” is Latin for unconquered invoking our respect for anyone who negotiates this life undefeated. This notion, however, is merely delusional fantasy. It perverts greatness as it promotes self-centered and self-exalting willpower, whereas true greatness requires self-sacrifice for the sake of others.

Not Much Has Changed
Unhappily, the concept of self-determination and self-ownership endures. There is another notable piece of French poetry set to emotional and exhilarating music by Paul Anka in 1969, recorded first by Frank Sinatra and then a host of others including Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, and Elvis Presley. Most fans learned the words to “My Way” and sang robustly along with their radios and records. In 1978, an infectious, up-tempo tune entitled “My Life” was released by Billy Joel. In the 50 years since, millions of his devoted followers have belted out the chorus with him, “I don’t care what you say anymore this is my life! Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone.”

Whether your tastes lean toward the classic poetry of Henley, the schmaltzy crooning of Sinatra, or Joel’s rock and roll interpretation, you must recognize that they are all touting the same refrain to a lost and deceived population. Every note and every lyric amount to no more than the rantings of a precocious, pushy toddler persistently professing, “You’re not the boss of me!!”

Another Example of Greatness
Imagine for a moment being in the presence of God sometime prior to the virgin birth of Jesus. This was when the Son was with the Father in Heaven adorned with the glory given to Him long before creation. As the Father revealed His plan of grace for fallen man before Adam was formed from the dust, it is difficult to envision that any part of it was attractive to Jesus.

Think about it. Do you suppose Jesus aspired to be supernaturally conceived and formed for nine months in Mary’s womb? Did He really desire to live the life of a dependent infant, child, adolescent, and teenager? Was it His choice to be called the son of a mere carpenter who was not his real father? As Jesus listened to the Father’s purpose for Him, I must doubt that He looked forward eagerly to being a Jew in Israel during the Roman occupation. He surely did not enthusiastically anticipate His participation in the appointed annual feasts and sacrifices, especially the Passover which spoke to Him of His eventual role in fulfilling this obligation for His people.

Jesus was sent to form a deep relationship with Judas Iscariot who would place upon Him the kiss of betrayal and break His heart. Beyond our imagination, it is Scriptural fact that He did not want to experience the trials, the torture, the humiliation nor the cross. After all of this, He was appointed to confront Lucifer while His body lay in the darkness of a tomb waiting on the power of the Holy Spirit to revive and resurrect Him.

Jesus did not choose His ministry, the Father did. As it is for us all, His earthly days were written before one of them came to be. His only decision in the entire process to bring us eternal salvation was to empty Himself of His glory and power and become obedient. The result for Him was a short human existence under undesirable circumstances that ended in the most barbarous death ever employed by man: the crucifixion.

Whose Plan Will I Fulfill?
Humbly bowing before the throne today, I ask that the Holy Spirit fill me anew so that rivers of living water may flow from me. I ask for anointing and empowerment and boldly appeal to Heaven, “Lord, send me.” But what if the assignment is dangerous, or frightening, or costly? What if it is merely distasteful to my sensibilities? Will I still pray with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours be done”? It is a decision that must be made thoughtfully.

Whose Life is it Anyway?

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