There it goes; 2023 is already in the rearview mirror. I think for a lot of us, we were caught with our mouths open in stares of disbelief as we watched it misfire and, at times, erupt into convulsions. Like strapping on ice skates for the first time, the lurching and often spasmodic movements of trying to find balance without creating an epic wipeout, were seemingly on an exhausting endless loop. But you used the resources at hand to find something of a rhythm to cling to whatever a normal routine looked like to you. And then, as sure as the Amazon shipping deadline for guaranteed delivery approached, the holidays showed up before you were ready; only to feel '23 sneaking quietly out the back door, leaving you with more questions than when it started.
Another year in the books. Did you happen to allow your Christian worldview to rise above the noise or was it muted by stress and worry? If you were asked what do you have to show for it, you might respond with a jab of "Go pound sand"; or an uppercut of "Kiss my grits". And to be fair, I can't think of even one sector of society that was immune to some regulatory or bureaucratic constipation that permeated our lives. Life is hard; it's even harder if you don't have a solid reference point. NOTE: this is where I go serious for two minutes. So, if you want to bail out, now would be a good time. I'll respect your decision and still wish you the best in '24.
When you see, touch, taste or smell something we can quickly form an opinion or response. It's tangible. Often, we'll express a confidence that comes from experience and even take up a position of something of an expert on many subjects or situations. Even when we don't fully understand all the nuances, we respond or create using whatever resources and talents that are available to us. I mean, who has time to consider the theory, science, or historical perspective of the stuff we deal with in daily life? We leave that to the scholars. So, maybe it's the way we're wired, but for some reason our brains treat the intangibles like they're less important, less applicable.
The real tragedy here is that while we were treading water through a year like 2023 waiting for the rescue boat, many of us lost site of the importance of the bigger picture. Bad things will still happen to good people, but as created beings our design was not to merely exist in some virtual reality game of survival. For many, our brains are so focused on tangible factors that we can't even sense the Holy Spirit tugging on our heart. Instead, during the frequent turmoil and testing of our journey, we fight for control and attempt to steer that ship to calmer waters. So, what is the end game? The scripture is full of living a life of purpose and meaning; with the goal of a personal relationship with Jesus. Because in the end, when your last day comes and you are no longer fighting just to keep your head above water, each one of us will stand before our Creator giving an account of what we did with the life we were given; and what did we do with His son Jesus.
My hope for the new year is that you don't try to outsmart the One who created you, who put all your pieces and functions together, who formed the complexities of science and the universe, who created time and space, who exists and operates outside our finite comprehension. To attempt to steer the outcome of your eternal destination based on how clever or sincere you are, is foolish. God has provided many references in scripture on the simple requirement for your eternal salvation. Don't wait until the game of life is over to wish you had taken action sooner. On the other hand, you don't have to take my word for it. I'm nobody special. Average talent, no theological degree after my name, didn't stumble across a treasure on the beach, not connected to important people, no secret sauce. Maybe you know something I don't. Maybe you think it's way too abstract, too intangible. Besides, what's wrong with rolling the dice anyway; does anyone really know for sure? Hmmm.
So, maybe I have this all wrong... but what if I don't? What if our mind is getting in the way and it's really been an issue of the heart? If you think it's a gamble now, are you willing to bet your life on it? As this song reassuringly puts it in perspective, I believe the Holy Spirit will give your heart the desire to know the difference.
Three-minute exposure; a snapshot of life’s imperfect harmony,” by Stew McAuley.
Encouraging your Christian Worldview.