The mystery of God.


In a world so focused on answers and the development of science and technology to give us more certainty and create cures for diseases, have we grown uncomfortable with they mystery of God? Don't get me wrong, I am fascinated by technology and feel blessed to live in a time and place with such advancements made in medicine. I also get frustrated when people ask me questions about my faith in Jesus Christ that I cannot answer. I think I need to be better at saying, "I don't know," and that's ok. I don't know why homosexuality is frowned upon in the bible, yet I believe that it is not always a choice to be gay. I don't know when a conceived child is considered a human being, and I definitely don't feel like I have the authority to make that judgment. I don't know how God feels about war, and if he feels like it is a necessary solution sometimes. I don't know why some people suffer with mental illness and physical illness and some people don't. I don't know why people make decisions that directly impact and hurt others, and have no idea they are doing so.

My pastor brought up a great point last night about what we believe. Why do we focus so much on what we don't know and what we disagree with. Why do we when someone asks us the difference between one denomination and the next, we focus on the things of the other denomination that we disagree with. I want to be better about saying, "I don't know what someone else believes, but I believe this..." Or I'm not sure on how I feel about that particular issue, but I do know that God is the ultimate judge, and it is not my place to make judgement on that.

This is what I do know: Love is talked about in the bible more than any other issue! Jesus showed us what true and perfect love looks like. He showed us how to live through justice, kindness, and humility. I do know He died for me. I do know that the Holy Spirit tugs on my heart daily, and I feel challenged to learn more and live more like Jesus. I do know I fall short. I do know that humans are not even close to being perfect, but I do know God is perfect. And He offers abundant life. And I do know I want that Abundant life. I do know I want others to want that abundant life. I do know that I want to make the world a better place even though I'm not sure how it got here. And I do know the foundation for that desire is Jesus Christ. I do know that I fall short daily, that I judge others that I have no right to judge, that I don't have my priorities right, that I can be selfish, that I lose my patience.. and the list goes on. But I also know that by the grace of God, I am forgiven. And that is a powerful thing.

Comments

JVV said…
Well said Beil. I really liked your comments and the much deeper thoughs that they bring. You are Blessed ! ! !

Dad Vana <><
January 14, 2009 at 8:09 PM
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