An issue I have been processing for six months or more involves the vast differences between the beliefs among Christians in America (since I do not have much experience with Christians outside of America, I know my perspective is limited). Interestingly enough, it is the Internet social networking phenomena that has created this dilemma inside of me. People share their thoughts and beliefs much more freely on the Internet - which I think is good, for the most part. I enjoy reading the thoughts and beliefs of those I trust and admire, yet it is also internally troubling when these beliefs are so different from my own. You see, I don't really like conflict, and great differences of opinion represent conflict to me. At the same time, I am not naive enough to believe that everyone will espouse the same belief system. It is just interesting to me, and oftentimes troubling to me, when seemingly similar people have such different beliefs about extremely important topics. I have been deeply pondering these differences and seeking God for guidance - hence my pursuit of Truth.
At the Easter Service a phrase from the pastor's sermon added some enlightenment to this pursuit. Pastor Paul Walters said, "What you believe to be true changes the way you think and ultimately changes the way you live" (personal communication, April 12, 2009). As I type this statement right now, it comes across very simple, yet as I have been pondering and praying about Truth, I find this statement quite complex.
I believe one's values, morals, and ethics are foundational for all things important in life. I also believe we are constantly bombarded with cultural messages that influence our values, morals, and ethics more profoundly than the Word of God, and our personal relationships with God. We look to these cultural messages to make sense of the evil we personal encounter rather than looking to God for guidance and healing. Our personal experiences, through the lens of our culture, lead us to all sorts of different truths that we espouse with great passion. I am of the belief that there is One Truth, though Jesus Christ.
Just as I am passionate about the One Truth of Jesus Christ, I am also just as passionate about expressing it in and through love at all times. First, we have to accept Christ's love for us; and then, we have to seek His Truth more passionately than any other drive in our lives. His Truth sets people free! Cultural truth enslaves its victims and strangles them to death; it causes confusion, chaos, and destruction.
Though my processing goes much deeper than the example I will share, I am not personally ready to share more controversial examples of my personal beliefs in the pursuit of Truth.
When Shaunti Feldhahn spoke at the recent MVNU Women's Auxiliary Retreat, she spoke of how differently the male and female brain is wired. Shaunti did not speak from only an antedoctal point of view, but she spoke from a scientific point of view - specifically, a point of view based on up-to-date brain science and credible, nationally represented scientific research. Based on these foundations, we know that men typically respond differently to revealing clothing on women than women respond to revealing clothing on men. In a sentence, Shaunti found that men watching a professional presentation led by a woman wearing a revealing, professional suit actually heard and retained less information than the men watching the same presentation led my a woman wearing a modest suit.
How do you respond to this? Many women respond with, "He needs to get over it and control his mind, for Pete's sake!" I must admit that, at one time, I would have responded like this, too. But, if I am going to claim to be a critical thinker, basing my thoughts, beliefs, and actions on God and science (which I believe, when it is credible, will eventually lead mankind to Godly beliefs), then I must take another look at my personal beliefs about dress and how it affects men. To ignore the scientific facts, or to rely on unsubstantiated "facts," is to be led by a lie, or our cultural chains of bondage. As a women, when I have something to share, I want to be heard, so this research impacts me. It only takes a few minutes of viewing how girls and women dress, however, to realize that our culture is valued much more than God or science.
Will you take some time today to pray with me in response to Pastor Paul's statement and its relevance in your life?
"What you believe to be true changes the way you think and ultimately changes the way you live"
(personal communication, Pastor Paul Walter, April 12, 2009).
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. It is amazing how the Lord weaves a mosaic of experiences in our lives to help us see the world from his perspective. May the Lord continue to bless your life as you seek to know him better.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, a wise Christian female friend of mine (and counselor) recently reminded me that when we question whether or not something is right or true, turn to God and ask Him. "Jesus, this doesn't sound right..." or "Jesus, this doesn't sound like it's from you..." and ask Him for wisdom and help to reject lies. Just keep your eyes on God, Heidi (like you are doing!) and He will continue to guide and direct you. :-) You are a beautiful soul. Love, Heather
ReplyDeleteYou are brave to put into words what many are thinking. It is so easy to judge right and wrong by the standards of others, even other Christians. However, Jesus did not call us to live up to the standards of others he called us to live up the standards God has called us to. That is not always an easy thing to do and can even lead to legalism if we aren't careful. However, as christian women who are committed to following Jesus Christ it is important to to ask the question which Heather refers to. Put another way the question could be "Jesus, do I dress and speak in a manner which draws others to you?" As always there are two sides to this dilemma. Some have been brought up in such a legalistic setting that they feel guilty if they just look attractive and that is not where God wants us to be either. I also believe as Heather does that God will reveal truth to each of us. Keep asking the questions, God will provide the answers.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts and great questions. I am experiencing peacefulness in simply asking the questions. In simply asking, I think we are acknowledging our need for and our dependence on Godly wisdom. And, He does provide it in His way and in His time. Thanks, Heather & Mom.
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