The author of a book I just finished reading makes the claim that much of our fixation is on mistakes and sins and also on successes. This is how we measure our worth. This moralistic view causes us to put great weight on the failures and successes found in the Bible.
Here are some questions he raises: (I have paraphrased them and added some of my own)
What if our mistakes and sins really aren’t the focus. What if the test of life isn’t whether we will obey or disobey? What if the real test is how we respond to successes and failures? What if there isn’t a single point or moment that qualifies us as believers, as good people, as acceptable? What if the plan is for all of life’s failures and successes to be used to draw us into greater knowledge and experience of God?
The writer is very clear that these mistakes do have consequences, some very bad. His point seems to be that God is after relationship with us rather than to get us to conform our behavior. It is from the place of relationship with God that we then love people better and make less destructive decisions.
How does that strike you?
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Honestly, I think I have a better relationship with God than I do with people. Because I love and trust him. Yes, I love people but do I trust them? Mmmmmmmm... to be honest, I tend to not trust people because I know they are "human" just like I am, and capable of sin, just like I am. I know the effects of sin on a person it can cause pain. Being human, I tend to want to avoid pain like most humans do.
ReplyDeleteI have a problem with opening up myself and fully engaging with others and giving 110% of myself with others. Why? Becasue I don't want to have my trust betrayed. Yes I can be kind, loving, friendly, caring, with others but only to a point and tend to hold back when I feel I am getting to close.
Ultimately, levels of trust are very low for people outside of my family (on a case by case basis.. lol). When I was younger I used to be very trusting of others (TOO TRUSTING!!!) very giving, thought about the goodness in people and didn't think of the potential pain that could be thrown my way intentionally or unintentionally. Perhaps it is from painful life experiences I've come to trust less and less. I know possibly being more forgiving could help me trust others but if I don't trust then there's nothing to forgive. ;)
Is it necessary to love AND trust others? Can't we love others without being in that vulnerable position of having to trust them too?
I wonder if it's just me or do others have problems with trust and how much does it play a part in your life... how much it holds you back from others.... at work, home, relationships, family, church, etc. I'm curious....
Uh Oh, I failed big time and put this under the wrong week. This was supposed to go under May 19 "The Challenge of Relationships". Sorry about that... I don't see a delete button? :(
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