Some Scriptures pose a difficulty...
Illustration
Some Scriptures pose a difficulty in understanding or comprehension. This one can and does pose an impossibility for many of us as modern day Christians.
The majority of mainline Christianity does not experience suffering. We live very affluent lives. We live lives easily medicated and treated. We live lives easily drowned in booze or stuffed with food.
Yesterday, at a Special Olympics Track Meet, I saw for the first time outside my work in the hospital, the living proof of "... I have suffered the loss of all things ..." in a world in which I, too, live easily and happily. I saw the loss of hands, legs, control of body muscles, body function, and even mind. But I did not find loss of faith.
The only loss I experienced was my tears as they dripped down my face for the shame I felt at having such a big, well-developed frame; strong legs and arms, upright body, and well-studied mind.
In the closing circle of friendship, it was next to impossible to keep from experiencing a rage that said these people shouldn't have to be the way they are. Flowing through our hands, however, was the force of happiness, accomplishment, and joy. When we sang, "We Are One in the Spirit," I had had too much!
I thank God I had this crippling experience to help me better understand the shortness of my mind, the taking for granted of my body, and the knowledge that people with less can have more.
The majority of mainline Christianity does not experience suffering. We live very affluent lives. We live lives easily medicated and treated. We live lives easily drowned in booze or stuffed with food.
Yesterday, at a Special Olympics Track Meet, I saw for the first time outside my work in the hospital, the living proof of "... I have suffered the loss of all things ..." in a world in which I, too, live easily and happily. I saw the loss of hands, legs, control of body muscles, body function, and even mind. But I did not find loss of faith.
The only loss I experienced was my tears as they dripped down my face for the shame I felt at having such a big, well-developed frame; strong legs and arms, upright body, and well-studied mind.
In the closing circle of friendship, it was next to impossible to keep from experiencing a rage that said these people shouldn't have to be the way they are. Flowing through our hands, however, was the force of happiness, accomplishment, and joy. When we sang, "We Are One in the Spirit," I had had too much!
I thank God I had this crippling experience to help me better understand the shortness of my mind, the taking for granted of my body, and the knowledge that people with less can have more.
