I’m someone who likes to know, and for someone who didn’t particularly enjoy the learning part of school, I’ve always had an insatiable curiosity. Whether it’s researching the most random things on Google, looking at the Hebrew or Greek origin of words, or binge-watching documentaries, I just simply want to know. I can remember as a kid how I would dismantle things and look at the inner workings just to indulge my inquiring mind. There may have been more than one radio in our home that fell victim to my small set of tools that resulted in it never working again.
Along with this appetite to know, I recognize there is also a part of me that likes resolution. I like a final answer. The problem with this is I’ve sometimes hung on to some “final answers” simply because they’ve resolved things in my mind.
The sermon on the mount series we’ve been in as a Church has challenged some of my “final answers”. Some of the answers that I have never taken the time to investigate further. There has been a clash of my two worlds. I still desire to know more, but also must let go of that need for a resolve that is comfortable.
I now realize that my thinking wasn’t going to change my eternity, but was it going to change someone else’s eternity? The more I listen and learn, the more Holy Spirit is doing what He wants to do…what He needs to do.
In the past, I viewed the sermon on the mount solely from a vertical perspective. That this message was something that I was to attain or receive, and it was between me and God. And although that is partially true, it doesn’t end there. This relationship with God does not end with me. It’s not only a vertical relationship, but also tied to my horizontal relationships. It’s tied to those around me. And not just the easy ones, not just other believers, not just the ones that don’t challenge me.
I’m not talking about salvation by works but rather a transformation in me to live and walk as Jesus did. If I’m honest, there might have been some people Jesus related to that I may have at one time called into question.
The thing is that I have not totally deconstructed my radio or my faith to where it can never work again. I just needed someone that can reassemble it the right way. To remove any excess parts that I’ve mixed in or any wires that have been crossed along the way, and I’m willing to go on that journey. I’ve been challenged to the core with some of my beliefs and or responses to those around me. However, I have such peace in a place of not knowing everything, not knowing all the answers, and just allowing Holy Spirit to make the repairs and connect the wires that need to be connected to The Source.
About The Author:
Marv is the Executive Pastor here at Relate.
