I first read C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity around 35 years ago. I, like millions, was struck with the clarity, simplicity and weight of Lewis’ reasoning. Mere Christianity has remained close by my side these many years, is never far from my mind and has frequently provided much needed assurance in navigating the journey.
At crucial mileposts through my life (and again now), I’ve recalled Lewis’ brilliant discussion of the transformation of the tin soldier. This is so cool:
“The real Son of God is at your side. He is beginning to turn you into the same kind of thing as Himself. He is beginning…to turn the tin soldier into a live man. The part of you that does not like it is the part that is still tin….
Lewis continues:
Put it right out of your head the idea that these are only fancy ways of saying that Christians are to read what Christ said and try to carry it out – as a man may read what Plato or Marx said and try to carry it out. They mean something much more than that. They mean that a real Person, Christ, here and now, in that very room where you are saying your prayers, is doing things to you…
This is the essence of Paul’s famous argument in Romans 7. I cannot change my nature. No level of effort, will power or self help can morph my human nature into other than it is. These practices are limited to altering my behavior and do not provide freedom. God alone has designed the signature of each soul. Only He can restore it.
Lewis concludes:
It is a living Man, still as much a man as you, and still as much God as He was when he created the world, really coming and interfering with your very self; killing the old natural self in you and replacing it with the kind of self He has.”
My takeaways:
- He is real. He is near. He cares – more than I do.
- I can sometimes change my behavior, but I cannot transform my nature. Only He can do that.
- He has my best interest and highest good in mind. Always.
- Surrender is the key to life. Soldiers do not surrender well.
- Whom can I trust? Whom should I trust? Whom do I trust? Whom will I trust?
- He can give life to the living.
It’s been said that he is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. He is the author of life. I am tin.
Q: Whom should prevail?
I have no idea when I first started reading C. S. Lewis. I know for the past 4-5 years, I’ve ready something of his nearly every day by reading through “A Year with C. S. Lewis,” which has short excerpts from many of his writings. It continues to be amazing how year after year, something new “sneaks” onto the same pages I’ve read many times before.
“Tin Soldier” is a piece that hits home. Thanks for the double-dose!
Blessings,
Tony – A Year With CSL is a great guide. I have it on my shelf as well and have used it at various times over the past few years. Hope you are well!