Theology

As a reflective writer, as a writer of personal narrative, I share my thoughts and feelings through this blog.  I do not write for personal attention nor do I write to please an audience.  Novels are written for an audience, but personal narratives are different..  I don't have to write to please others; I am not required to sugar-coat my feelings or beliefs.  You are welcome to read or pass by.  What I say here is mine to say.  What I share is mine to share.  You can read through my posts and see glimpses and pieces of my soul.  There is nothing more personal than that. 

If you come to know me personally, you will will know that I am extremely opinionated and share those opinions quite frequently. My opinions are not always popular and in this current world they will, and are, becoming even less so.

I love Jesus.  It is the kind of life changing faith that when gun to my head I should have the courage to say, "Yes, I believe in the eternal, living God" because my denial of that fact would be a far greater travesty than the loss of my physical life.

I am more and more sure that I am falling short, that my life now looks like everyone else's.  I wonder if you look at me would you see anything different?  I don't refer to attending church every Sunday; which in the capital district is not a common occurrence.  I refer to my values, to my words, to my commitments, to what I invest my time, to my actions.  Do I look like everyone else?  Do I sound like everyone else?  It should not be, and yet sometimes, I fear it is.  I sometimes lose my temper.  I sometimes need distance from people.  I sometimes say things I ought not.

In scripture it is clear that if you are following the teachings of Jesus Christ, you will probably not be popular.  The world does not understand the message; therefore it is difficult for them to understand the messenger.  More and more I see this is the case.

I want all my friends to join me in heaven, but I cannot by sheer force of will make them believe.  Only the God who sees their heart can open their eyes.  God is love.  Pure, big, open-armed love.  But He is also holy.  The is message that the world cannot understand: holiness and sin cannot co-exist.  There is sin.  And there is a Savior.  And when you give your sin to the Savior, the peace and freedom that forever will be yours.....is beyond price.  Our world is so sure that everything is okay.  Everything is truth. There are only a few wrong things like murder of an eight year old child because of course we can all be in agreement about that.  But your beliefs?  Yeah, whatever will be, is.  If you think its okay, then it is and thereby, we all will make it to heaven in our own strength if we just try to do "some good" to our neighbor.  We are not humble to consider our own faults.  We consider ourselves wise. And by that clear line, many will miss Jesus.  Friend, you must become small so that you can see how big is God.

Take some quiet moments to let the noise of the world fade.  Take some quiet moments to consider the reality of a Savior who loves you.  Take some time to ponder the deep, internal nature of your heart.  Be honest.  What's in there is not naturally good.  There is anger, bitterness, hate, greed, lust, and many other things.  Imagine the weight of those. Gone forever in the ocean of God's forgiveness and mercy.  Imagine freedom.  Imagine eternity, heaven, with Jesus and me. 

Theology is the biggest issue of your life.  Theology determines your destiny and it is likely one of the things you consider the least.    It certainly is not often talked about over a pizza.

What is your theology?  What will you do with Jesus?  It's an extremely important question for Thursday.

I am currently convicted that my theology does not alway rule my actions.  I pray that it would be so. May it ever be the center of my life and focus.  May God increase my love for those whom he loves.  May I see always see others with His eyes.  Full of compassion and mercy even when they despise me.  It's difficult to always love others, but it is the truest test.  I will be known by my love or lack thereof.