And while it will probably get greater exposure there, I thought I'd post it here:
Having lived in two worlds, one rejecting biblical values and the other embracing them, I have long remained in the second.
The change came about when I realized that as smart as I am, there was something greater than man at work in the world.
And He was trying to get my attention.
There is something reassuring about that.
To acknowledge His superiority was to realize I must live by His "rule".
Many confuse the rigid law of religion with the liberating guidance and enabling of the Spirit.
I have found so much satisfaction in life with the latter.
And yet I fully understand the position of those who reject both of those.
The change came about when I realized that as smart as I am, there was something greater than man at work in the world.
And He was trying to get my attention.
There is something reassuring about that.
To acknowledge His superiority was to realize I must live by His "rule".
Many confuse the rigid law of religion with the liberating guidance and enabling of the Spirit.
I have found so much satisfaction in life with the latter.
And yet I fully understand the position of those who reject both of those.
I said all that to explain that while I realize that others might think I willingly put on a slave collar and gave up my sovereignty to something less proven than the flying spaghetti monster, I have determined that there is a larger logic at work that when recognized brings a relief.
I don't have to build a world view by trial and error.
That hard work has been done for me.
And in general it seems that America prospered by living by that world view. Not by government fiat, but by common societal agreement.
I don't have to build a world view by trial and error.
That hard work has been done for me.
And in general it seems that America prospered by living by that world view. Not by government fiat, but by common societal agreement.
Any thoughts?
I couldn't agree more with your conclusion, sir. God always blesses those who honor His Word.
ReplyDeleteCannot common social agreement, where both religious freedom and individual liberty both coexist? Theoretically anyway.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure one can find more individual liberty other than in the Christian faith ...
ReplyDeleteEd, it's always inspiring to hear a person who goes from unbelief to belief; thanks for that.
Vastly different concepts of individual liberty, I suppose.
DeleteCI, That's sort of what I was alluding to.
DeleteI don't want to sound , I don't know, pedantic or such.
Old Testament was a set of rules, to show we couldn't keep those rules and needed help.
New Testament, rules are more guidelines to judge the leading of the indwelling Spirit of a Christian. Thus no more dietary laws for instance.
A Christian no longer fears death, or wonders if he's done enough to please God. He knows God accepts him and is willing to help.
He also has a structure of sorts in that he doesn't have to guess about right and wrong. That's liberating.
Sometimes that barrier ahead is to keep you from going over the cliff, not to annoy you. :)
I remember the annoying smile I'd see friends get, and know they'd gotten "saved".
Then it happened to me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI certainly have no issue with one living by a set of self imposed rules or guidelines. I'm happy that they find peace in them. I do though, have issue with legislating those rules and guidelines for the rest of society, when they have no secular value.
DeleteI do not fear death, worry about right or wrong, nor do I fail to treat others as I would expect to be treated. Do not harm me, steal from me or restrict my liberty.
For me, liberty is liberating. But I'm happy that you find peace as well.
Ed, it's those things and others that are liberating, you're right. And that's exactly what I meant.
DeleteI learned only later than I should have that it's not restrictions in Christianity, it's total freedom. It keeps us (literally) healthy in all ways, it's boundaries that I thought were rigid but are enormous and live saving. thanks.
God's 'rules', or 'laws' if you will, are not mutually exclusive with freedom. Rather, they're dependent on the other for true freedom to be the people He intended us to be in joy and love. Right on brother.
ReplyDeleteYou are my friend, sir.
DeleteEd agree completely with Rev. Paul.
ReplyDeleteYour conclusion deserves to be repeated:
And in general it seems that America prospered by living by that world view. Not by government fiat, but by common societal agreement.
Thank you, Alec.
Delete