REFLECTIONS
February 27, 2011
Do you ever have those days when thirty seconds seems way too long to wait for a traffic signal? The few seconds it takes for your computer to reach the Internet is an eternity. In other words a simple task which might require a modicum of patience is asking something just not possible at the time. People who study human behavior tell us that technology has now driven humans to the state where we are often lacking proper civil decorum. Hence the likes of road rage, parking lot and shopping rage. For a variety of reasons we both work and play at speeds without leaving room for contemplation. Since we can check facts and figures nearly instantaneously, we are apt to think we know more than we actually do. This frees us to criticize, even condemn those we disagree with. This can become a non aerobic exercise for those of the muscle bound brain. Very good for the inflated ego, very bad for the soul. The Apostle Paul addresses this in his writing to the early Church.
In his first letter to the people of Corinth, responding to critics of his teaching along with that of his disciples he urges caution and calm. "Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they should be found trustworthy. However, with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me." 4:1-4 NRSV The words of Paul were strong when he wrote them. They are even more harsh today because we actually think we know something.
There is a wonderful song titled, "I’m In A Hurry (and I Don’t Know Why)" written by Randy Van Warmer and Roger Murrah. The refrain says volumes. "I’m in a hurry to get things done, oh, I rush and rush until life’s no fun. All I really gotta do is live and die, but I’m in a hurry and don’t know why." We seek to know, to make sense, to understand, to figure things out. The truth of the matter is, we cannot know and understand everything no matter how diligent we are. Over the years I have read of many folks rich, poor, famous, or pedestrian, educated or not, each with the singular belief that God does not exist. As a younger person this would either send me into a fit of anger, or a fancy for prayer over the said souls. Now it seem bemusing to ponder whether God ever doubts the existence of a nonbeliever.
