Meaning: “conveying a significance that is not directly expressed . . .”
There are skills involved in rightly embracing complexity. First and foremost, complexity in any subject is best approached by securing a grip on the essentials. An essential for meaning-making might be best described as that upon which all else hinges.
In last blog, Gentle Reader, I proposed that God is with us when we want help in embracing complexity. Therefore, to expand on the idea of embracing complexity (instead of avoiding it), I find it useful to invest in a bit more perusal of the question from Blog #147: To have meaning, that is to have a meaningful conversation about Jesus, for example, do I have to have, or do others have to have, all the answers?
From last blog we all know the answer to that question is no. But on the other hand one had best not leap opinionatedly into any sensitive dialogue such as this one without at least getting the basics down right. Agreed? So let’s pick out the essentials inherent in a meaningful conversation about Jesus.
It doesn’t take long to find the essentials in His case because, as it concerns Jesus, there really are only four hinge-pin essentials: one, according to God there is right meaning, it is worthy, it is meant to be dwelt upon and Jesus embodies it. Two, when Jesus walked this earth, he came as the prophesied Messiah of Scripture, was both fully human and fully divine, empowered with the Father’s full authority over all things, and here to serve, save, die and be raised for our sake. And three, to make it short and sweet (like the oft-sung children’s song), Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so!
That being said, part of the complexity of grasping God’s “meanings” (which Scripture tells us are life’s most profitable meanings) about Christ or any situation, circumstance or thing, involves proper acceptance of these essentials; and then by extension proper reception of all of His communications especially in Scripture—no self-indulgent hoarding of one’s own preference over God’s is allowed here, Gentle Reader.
Therefore, Scripture, for the believer, is our measure and standard for all things (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV). Scripture judges us. We do not judge Scripture (Psalm 119:59). Believers are called to always recognize that God is right, His Word in Scripture is right. It is the human person who errs.
But, take heart Gentle Reader, because of Jesus (and here is essential #4), God does NOT condemn us, even when we are wrong. Believers are forgiven all sin—past, present and future. Jesus does call us to practice God’s righteousness (right living), yes, but because we find it beautiful and desirable, not because we have to. And when we fall short, which all believers do from time to time, Jesus promises that we still are not condemned, nor do we lose our eternal life in Him. Establishing such essentials greatly organizes and simplifies any dialogue concerning Jesus.
None-the-less, establishing such essentials will not preclude the reality that complexity will be a part of any endeavor to acquire and apply meaning, much less explain the dynamics involved in communicating with people at various stages of understanding of Jesus’ divine person and authority in all matters.
Complexity is no reason to avoid the great quest for meaning, Dear Reader. God promises meaning-seeking will be a God-enhanced adventure for believers as long as we abide in Him. With Jesus as one’s Wonderful Counselor on one’s journey, one can count on Him for perfect buffer from being overwhelmed.
That’s why, Gentle Reader, I never go meaning-seeking on subjects great or small (Since one never knows when something small is going to loom large!) without God.
Wow! Think about that one a while! (I promise one does get use to it!)
To be continued . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment