The Purity of Irrelevance
Growth and learning are never final. If we think we have reached the point of complete knowledge, we become like Barney Fife attempting to recite the Preamble of the Constitution to Andy. The Barn had to be coached through (read) the whole thing whereon Andy asked, “Have you got it now?” Though he failed utterly, Barney confidently replied, “When you learn something, you learn it.”
Over the years, I’ve come across many people who were confident in the magus of their knowledge. They were convinced that their belief-system was founded on incontrovertible truth and would brook no denial. I might even have been one of them. It didn’t take me long, however, to begin to doubt. Such doubtings came about not as crises of faith but consequences of growing.
Now, I’m not speaking of salvatory or cardinal doctrines, but I have noticed an attraction among sincere people to minor issues of ethical living. Such small clouds can block the sun when taken in the wrong perspective. It grieves me to see good people saddle themselves (and others) with unnecessary baggage. Worse still, people who could contribute will often sit the game out rather than play as part of the team.
Many idols from my past held intense attraction for me because of their simplistic approaches to life-application of biblical principles. To some of them, time and culture held no relevance. Now, I’m no compromiser, but even I understand that the Bible is more about principles than rules. And there are rules a-plenty. But, in youth, we all seek to tag-a-long.
In time, I began to understand that God is larger than we, and His truth is too great in scope for anyone to comprehend. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try, but it does mean we will never understand everything. This idea not only applies to individual preferences and convictions but also considered decisions by bodies of believers. God is big.
Deep and wide is the theological stream and its practical applications. Though I can’t contain it all, I can make it work in my life. It will, if I apply it properly. God’s truth works in real time. It is always relevant. The problem enters when you or I misunderstand what God is getting at and force our interpretations of His Word too far. God’s Word is still true, but we become irrelevant in the public discourse. That we cannot afford to be.
For our sakes, our families and the world in which we live, Christ-followers must model Jesus and His teachings. Never believe you understand it all, but put into action what you know. Salvation and the primary teachings of Scripture are clear. Stay on the King’s highway. Don’t get lost on a back road and mired in self-will. Eternity depends on you.
Sterl
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