From Fear to Recognition

Do you remember your childhood fears? Certain situations bring mine to light, and I have the opportunity to ponder them from a different perspective. I like that. Last week I was reminded of a childhood fear: What if I don't recognize Jesus at His second coming.... Is that a "normal" childhood fear? I also remember fearing that my future husband would smoke cigarettes, but that he would hide it from me until after we married. Yes, that fear is strange!

On more than one occasion, I've heard a preacher ask, "Would you recognize Jesus? Would you even like Him were He on earth today? You know, He would likely offend you!" These are questions and comments that I am likely to ponder.... Yet, this much I know: I want to experience Christ! I want to know Him. Not only do I want to recognize Him, I want to run into His arms with abandon. I'm not so much concerned about Him offending me, but I certainly don't want to offend Him!

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:4-9, NIV).

I am certain that my worldview is tainted by my life experiences in the US of A. These verses lead me to believe that my spiritual understanding does not need to be complete in order for me to recognize Jesus. It is not my human mind that matters, but it is my openness of mind that allows God to "enrich" me. Truth is not based on my intellect, but on my willingness to hear His voice, and see His presence. With all that I lack, Jesus promises to make His presence recognizable to even me as I seek Him.

The need to make sense of all that is around me utilizing intellect is overwhelming -- the kind of overwhelming that makes me want to throw in the towel. At the same time, the need to hear God's voice, and sense His presence day-to-day is invigorating. So, I choose to focus mind on the latter - the supernatural aspect of seeking and receiving Godly knowledge - to recognize Him.

Truth that Truly Matters

I am after Truth that Truly Matters. Truth that truly matters to God - not me, not denominations, not theologians, not intellectuals, not scientists, not those who focus on social justice.... There is a place at the table for all of God's children. Each one of us may learn from, and be challenged by, one another. BUT, I desire to seek God first - His Truth - the only Truth that truly matters. It's not a simple desire.

I have friends - folks I highly respect and enjoy - in each of the categories mentioned above. I am challenged by the diversity of thought represented in my relatively small community of friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. Thoughtful challenge is a good thing - a very good thing - but, more than anything, I long to be firmly grounded in God alone.

What does that mean? On earth, it doesn't mean utopia - though that's a nice thought.... It is not simple, or easy, or natural. When it comes to knowledge and understanding, there is no "finish line," or "final grade" this side of eternity. And, though I believe God's Truth is timeless and unchanging, our world (our applications) are always changing. Our human knowledge and understanding are equally fluid - stemming from our sin, and our lack of complete revelation. Earthly knowledge will never equal God's mind.

So... how do we navigate life, decisions, dissension, and change? The bottom line remains constant: An individual, personal relationship with Christ - coupled with community among those who invest likewise. The personal relationship - the personal pursuit of revelation and Truth - must never be secondary.

I am reading and studying 1 Corinthians. Will you join me?