The greatest hindrance to progression is an assumption that we
already know it all. Kris Vallotton once used a very apt analogy of a lost
coin- no one in the right frame of mind would continue to look for the lost
coin if they have already found it- how true. Therefore, it is of utmost
personal importance to make an intentional commitment to assume that I do not yet
know, and even when I do, assume that there is more to it than what I already
have. If the aforementioned assumption is the biggest hindrance, the next on the
list has to be the assumption that the current state is acceptable. Being
comfortable where we are proves to be the biggest inertia for us to move
forward- going beyond the Christian circle and we know the same has to be said
in all walks of life - A complacent football professional may never reach his
full potential if he stops working hard; a student would not perform as well as
he would have if he stops at where he began. We continually build upon what we
have.
Likewise, the same is true of our walk with God, our knowledge of
His Word, and our perception of who God is. While the Kingdom is meant for the
little children and we ought to trust with childlike faith, and while we are
all children of God in broad strokes, perhaps it helps if we take some minor
steps to slow down, assess, and reflect, what does it mean when the Bible made
explicit mentions in the books of Isaiah, Job and Psalm about no one being
capable of fathoming the understanding, greatness, mysteries and depth of God.
Even those, pardon me, I think are only minor revealed aspects of God, with
much more yet to be discovered.
Imagine with me the Cherubim in Revelation 4:8 and Isaiah 6:3
exclaiming “Holy, Holy, Holy” as they flew around in the presence of God for
not just a day, a week, or even a year, but forever. I have to admit that this
remains one of the most peculiar images that I have much difficulties grappling
with, perhaps because I have never and would never encounter any object, which
amazes me beyond duration of a few hours. None can fathom, indeed. Yet, one of
the most common, and probably one of the most stifling approaches to address
such unease in the Christian community comes in the form of smoothening out the
peculiar portion of the message. Sometimes we classify them as analogies, other
times we merely do away with the notion of “not literal”, yet more frequent, we
give selective emphasis and leave out specific aspects of His Word. Once again,
the moment we think we know, we stop exploring deeper. By having the wrong
conclusion puts us into a false state of comfort, and a pseudo state of
rightness. Sometimes we move on to other areas, other times we are pretty happy
to stay where we are.
Over time, we get an end state of the birth of many warped theologies.
That is why Matthew 7 teaches us about the importance of a sure and solid
foundation. The only way to stand firm is to establish our house on solid
bedrocks, but can I also suggest that this is not a dichotomy? Bedrock is
supposed to be one solid piece. While sand erodes with heavy rain, how many of
us are actually aware that a mixture of fine rocks and sand is the worst kind
of foundation one can have simply because when the erosion takes place, the
bigger pieces are left to strike against the pillars and then damaging them.
Christianity is not finding a balance such that we get the best of
both worlds. In fact right through the whole collection of books, countless
times has it been made clear to us that the path is narrow and few would enter.
It is easy only because all we have to do is to rely on the grace given to us-
that is the only way anyways. Yet it is not simple, henceforth the existence of
theologies, debates, denominations etc., because…
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