Of Paradox and Faith
I had quite a lively discussion last Friday night with some of the CG members. We took quite a while to warm up, we didn't had much time to really delve much, not withstanding the fact that I tend to talk too much! Nevertheless it was interesting conversation with the little time we had. I thought it would be worthwhile to pen it down...and perhaps invite some response from you all to this.
The topic of conversation was what is the greatest stuggle we have with our Christian walk. My answer to that, almost immediately, is that the Christian walk is a premium level of paradox. The Bible is full of such examples. From the beatitudes to the many examples on how Jesus associates himself with the sinners of His days. I reckon these stories make good bed-time reading material or even a good sermon material. I could agree to them in principle, nodding my head in 100% agreement.
However, I struggle mightily to agree to them experientially. At times, I get so worn down living out paradox principles that my head spins in hurricane proportions and sanity hangs by a thread. How do you, for instance, obtain victory by surrendering? Or the weak can say 'I am strong'? Or to die is to gain life? Principly, and perhaps doctrinally, it is probably easy to understand and even appreciate. Experientially, it is super-difficult to reconcile. It's one thing to question God why His principles are so when things are calm when you're sitting out on the bench, it is another kettle of fish altogether when you're in a midst of a situation where you are shoved to put into the experiential spot and is forced to deal with it. Suddenly God becomes the problem.
In the midst of my struggling attempt to put things in perspective, I was reminded by a dear sister about Isaiah 55:8 where the Lord declares "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither you ways my ways". Perhaps God is offering a solution...something which could appeal and beckons for reconsideration. It appeals to that measure of faith that we already have within us.
The Bible is explicit in stating that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Having said that, I think what Paul is basically giving us a choice : either I choose to be a smarty-pants and analyze until I paralyze, complain until the cows come home. Or I could choose to please God by having faith in Him, believing that He exist and rewards those who earnestly seek Him. At the end of the day, I reckon it is just a matter of choice and focus.
True, the Christian walk is a premium level of paradox. Therefore, the Christian walk requires a premium level of faith.
posted by Mel-Vern @ 4:11 PM
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