Some have asked what I spoke on yesterday. Psalm 119: 96:
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
No matter what we know, no matter how impressive discoveries are or information is, no matter how perfect a certain philosophy or religion is, it is limited because it is human. How many times has the human race said, “This is it. Finally it!”, only to be proven if not wrong, at least imperfect? Over and over again. I don’t care how amazing it is, it is limited. Human knowledge is based on experience, on knowledge that is already stored in our brain cells. So nothing is entirely new. It is only a revamping of the old, a restyling, a renovation. People are flocking to “The Secret”, but do they know that it was all inspired by a book written 100 years ago on the science of getting rich? It isn’t new. Only the package is new. It is a re-energized sales pitch. That’s all. It’s the same ingredients in the shape of a different dish. Just watch: in a year or two it will be “The Secret: New And Improved!”.
I apply this rigorously to all schools of thought, all philosophies, theologies and religions, including Christianity. I’ve seen a limit to the perfection of Christianity and the Church. There is a wisdom that transcends all others. It is a broad and spacious place without borders. It is filled with wonder and benediction.
The fine-art photograph is the creation of my friend Mark Hemmings, from his Japan series.
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David Hayward is an artist trapped in a pastor's body, stripping to the essential.
Very nice synopsis!! One thing that you said that I loved is that if a theological belief can’t be applied to all situations, then it’s wrong. Hope I didn’t butcher it!
Yes, yes, yes!!! Heidi & Dave, this one simple, yet profound truth will cut through 1500 years of crap we’ve piled on the gospel and the North Am-centric church culture we spread and we confuse with God’s family.
I was going to be an anthropologist ’til I took this unexpected turn into following Jesus and then pastoring. It’s always bugged me, and now more than ever, when I hear people making statements about how things are, ‘according to the scriptures’, when what they’re saying would be laughed in 80% of the world as completely disonnected from the world they live in.
Thank you for letting me vent!
AMEN BROTHER……………
The more I go on in life the more I can see it: wealth, knowledge, power, science, philosophy, religion cannot hold a candle to the perfection of God! I am sooooo honoured to serve Him – I only wish I could fathom all of His wisdom. Blessings,
“Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophy, wrong and shallow answers based on man’s thoughts and ideas rather than what Christ has taught†(Col. 2:8)
No doubt, if we are seeking the perfect man-made religion, we have a long road ahead:)