Christian Living

PROS AND CONS

by Morris Inch
03/31/16
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PROS AND CONS

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Qualifications aside, life in good. In this regard, "God saw all that he had made and it was very good" (Gen. 1:31). This allows for no exceptions. Consequently, we should affirm life, rather than deny it. We should also protect it, rather than discourage it.

However, there is a prime condition. Life is good so long as we observe God’s instruction. Otherwise, it becomes burdensome, oppressive, and counter-productive. Whether from good or evil intention. Whether of short or long duration.

No longer behave in childish ways, but speak the truth in love (cf. Eph. 4:15). As set over against those who misrepresent truth, or employ it for inconsiderate reasons. Employ truth for constructive purposes, rather than personal vindication.

Reflect on what is true. Then speak the truth. Not without discrimination, but so as to serve some worthwhile goal. Accordingly, to treat others as we would have them treat us. Likewise, to treat others as God treats us.

"Pray continually" (1 Thess. 5:17). Not simply in select instances. Nor without due deliberation. For oneself and for others. For creative insight to address inhibiting problems. Whether inclined to do so or otherwise.

While not an excuse for the lack of appropriate action, but rather as an incentive. Not conditioned by how others treat us, but returning good for evil. Enduring criticism by way of righteous resolution.

"Give thanks in all circumstances" (Ibid.). In but not for all circumstances. For the grace that sustains us in the midst of trying situations. Along with the spiritual maturity this accomplishes, as we journey toward the celestial city.

The more some things change, the more other things appear to remain constant. God’s faithfulness is of the latter sort. In retrospect, some days seem to have been more successful than others, but without exception, one is impressed with God’s amazing grace.

Sin is pervasive (cf. Rom. 3:23). This is the bad news, without which the good news would be unintelligible. Humans, created in God’s image, no longer give a true reflection of him. Nor is this something they can rectify on their own.

Nonetheless, God’s love triumphs. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Such as is identified by Dietrich Bonhoeffer as costly grace, in contrast to cheap grace—said to be the deadly enemy of the church.

All things considered, we are to learn from the past rather than attempt to live in it. For instance, "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Heb. 11:8). So that we are supposed to emulate his behavior, although in different circumstances.

Moreover, we are to live toward the future. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal," Jesus admonished. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matt. 6:19-20). Do not opt for things that will escape us with the passing of time, but rather hold firm to that which will endure.

Finally, live in the present. Which requires that we embrace continuity with change. Accordingly, C. S. Lewis suggested that we read a classical work from the past along with some current work of our interest. While increasingly, it appears that persons are opting for trivial pursuits, rather than engage in a serious reflection on the issues concerning life. As for the exceptions, they are indeed to be commended.