Some Contemplation

Life is such a jumbled mess of choices, distractions, tangents, desires, emotions, joy, pain. For some it includes the search for truth, for others, the search for something that will drown out the voice ringing in their heart that this is not all there is.

Maybe after a long while running in the other direction, of drowning out the divine message rather than examining what it says, all the stuff used to cover it up becomes like white noise, and silence is the result. But only percieved silence. Like white noise when it ceases, so it is when we are faced with stillness and reflection. The knowledge that we are not alone is built into our heart. But we were made to know not only of God - but to know him.

I am beginning to understand that knowing God is not simply reading the scriptures and talking to him. It isn't summed up in going to church. It is the gradual realization and understanding of truth, of reality. By examining the world we see God. I don't just mean seeing the light of creation, although creation practically shouts the existence of God. In our desires, joy, pain, the glory of whole relationships and the tragedy of broken ones, we see God. Every perversion necessitates a possibility of wholeness. Every misuse means there must be an intended use. We see in every human society to ever populate the earth, in government, the church, work, war, money, and in every appetite - food, drink, sex - the possibilites for brokenness. History is a summation of them all. But like I said, brokenness necessitates a possibility of wholeness. It is only a question of how to get there. It is not a question of the reality of good or evil - evil is all to apparent. Rather, it is the question all religions have sought to answer - how do we fix us?

The Bible is the only book, and Christianity is the only worldview, to adequately address human brokenness. Only under the direction of scripture and the power of the cross can we begin to straighten our posture.

Divine intervention. It is the only hope for humanity, and God has given it. All other systems either ignore the complete fallenness of humanity, or assert our ability to come back from the brink, to attain godliness despite our unfortunate starting point. Think of all other belief systems, even systems close to Christianity. They all prescribe a mix of living a life worthy of heaven, of attaining to godliness, of climbing high enough, try hard enough to be saved. What could we possibly have that God might want? What could we possibly do that might impress him? What could we give the very one that made us, so as to elicit his acceptance of us?

No, the only thing left to do for us is decide. God has extended his hand, all we are left with is to reach out the hand of a beggar (thank you Hank Hanegraff) and recieve the free gift.

Some thoughts for today.