I've had the privilege, as I'm sure many have, over the years to walk beside some wise people. Some of those, granted, were "wise beyond their years", others who believe they are wise when their actions speak otherwise. Some who wouldn't consider themselves wise but combine their knowledge and discernment (how's that Cork?) to provide wise counsel. And then some who are just plain "wise asses". Each have their place in our society, and I'm convinced none are in danger of extinction.
So when it comes to matters of personal faith, I think a similar taxonomy of individuals exist. There are those who accept faith right out of the gate and are able to walk in it without hiccup or doubt consistently, much to the surprise and chagrin of their elders. There are others who claim a personal faith connection, but then you see their actions and you not only question their own personal faith, but based on the volume of their megaphone, may even doubt the whole concept of faith, seen through the lens of this person's life.
Then there are others who want to believe but can't. At least not yet. But they haven't shut down the possibility of something greater than themselves, and the need to have a connection - no, a relationship - with that thing or being. They are just on the journey trying to live their lives in a way that honors those around them while they continually search for that higher meaning and purpose in their life. They haven't rejected faith and belief, but they want and need something deeper than just an emotional experience, and so their search continues.
I really respect those that are in that last category, those who are not willing to just accept faith on someone else's prompting, but is willing to do the research - both faith-based and secular - to come to their point of acceptance. Of course, it does indeed require an openness to actually "reading" and "discovering" in order to discern truth, but those that are truly up to the challenge, I firmly believe that God meets them there. And then blows them away with His message of hope, love, and grace.
In our kids' program at church this past Sunday, our bottom line was "If you want to know about God, read His book!". If you're on the journey to find if God is real, may I suggest the same?
Peace.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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3 comments:
I think I'm honored.
God issued me discernment. And, with it a keen desire to live my life in a way that glorifies everything that I can recognize around me. I used to refer to this as living my life like Christ. But, as time went by I felt like that was similar to wearing a medal I had not earned. There is, not so simply, a bar, some how set.
So, living by that code, while remaining uncertain about, how and where, I might end-up sometimes feels like standing on the ledge preparing to tower jump.
But, some how I think I'm going to make it - because it wasn't me that created wind that can be used to offset gravity.
Cork
That's the very amazing, albeit uncomfortable, thing about grace. There isn't any way for ANY of us to deserve the medal that's been given. It is so counter to our achievement culture - which as you and I both know, generates both positive and negative results - to accept a gift of acceptance, love, and salvation, when there is really nothing we have done, nor will ever do, to deserve it.
That is why I believe faith in Christ and salvation is a daily occurrence. Not just a one-time acceptance and then you're good. True, salvation, if we believe the Bible, is granted to those who TRULY bend their knee, but it is so critical for us to daily acknowledge the one who did save us, and using that image and role modeling for us to have our lives impact others with what we hope is but a small equivalency to the insurmountable gift of the cross. Should we choose to believe that.
Without that, our daily striving for achievement of God's satisfaction with us and what we do will forever be left unfulfilled. Dare I say small steps of victory without a final triumph.
thanks for both the post and the comments. it really captures how i think most of us feel if we're being at all honest. I don't think I can imagine or visualize where the bar is to live like Christ, it's so beyond my comprehension. on those days i can get rid of all the 'i' and 'me' junk, i find i don't worry or think about it much.
this thread reminds me of how much i'm looking forward to the next SoulyBusiness retreat! I've met men there that are light years ahead of where I'd like to be as as Christians, husbands, and fathers and yet they authentically and freely admit they themselves have light years to go. This, more than any church attendance has given me the hope, strength, and faith that God is working on me, in me, and through me.
Peace and thanks.
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