Thursday, August 4, 2016

Contrast



There is a term in the art world that is often referred to in photography as well - contrast. Contrast is the condition that makes us able to see. But contrast is something of a broad term and can be used to define what the eye sees as well as the cognitive mind that makes decisions based on intuition, individual experience and collected knowledge. 

Sometimes what we think we see or judge to be absolute but that can look differently from another angle is called optical illusion. 

In fact, there are few if any absolute definitions in this world. As they say, everything is relative so everything is somewhat subjective. But human nature wants everything to be tidy and delineated. Humans don’t like to admit “I don’t know or I can’t know.” Or “If I can’t know, then no one else can either.”

Those who are activist atheists are generally the type who demand that everyone adhere to their definitions because they need to be right so they insist that they are right based on how they see.  And that goes for any topic, not just religion. Good, bad, evil, big, small, easy, difficult, pain, suffering, poverty, wealth, smart, dumb - these can never be finite concepts. That there is no up or down in space is a good example. The only difference between an exhilarating adventure and a terrifying ordeal is the perspective of the one experiencing it. It’s all about context and how one interprets it. 

To conclude there is no God or that a “Good” God would not allow humans to struggle to survive is not just myopic, it’s childish. A cursory look at the conundrums of the universe and the great wonders that defy our ability to explain them should be enough to stop anyone from demanding that God must adhere to a single definition of good - or anything else for that matter. 

Tribulation has forever been the great teacher and equalizer. It’s not fun and no one would call it ‘good’ or wish it upon themselves or others. But on the other hand, abundance and ease has also always been the great spoiler. So is that good? Or bad? Tell me why human suffering should be the definitive tell that God does not exist? 

Consider the hypothesis that infinity goes all the way out and all the way in. Just because we do not have telescopes or microscopes powerful enough to prove this doesn’t eliminate the possibility. No one knew about the existence of germs until the 19th century. 

The eye can discern shape because of contrast. But the spirit can see what the eye cannot because of faith. And faith is what keeps us grateful and strong in times of dearth and trouble and reveals the difference between that which causes temporal happiness and that which promises eternal joy. 

 For Him,
Meema


(1 Corinthians 2:9-10) but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, And [which] entered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him. (10) But unto us God revealed [them] through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 

8 comments:

  1. Hey, we did lunch yesterday, because I wanted to read your post so I read it on my phone during my lunch break, greatly improving the half peanut butter sandwich and apple that I very unimaginatively throw in to my bag every day.
    I'm reading I Corinthians right now and your words reminded me of 11:19 in which Paul says that there must always be factions among us because it reveals who passes the spiritual purity test.
    It's not easy right now to discern without fear, because people's hearts are on a hair trigger. A stray word can start an avalanche of emotion. I've never been more aware of my need for divine wisdom. I appreciate the wisdom that you bring to this conversation.

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    1. Thank you, dear!

      My favorite lunch is peanut butter on an oatmeal cookie. Add an apple and it’s gourmet.

      This post was born from a discussion in another blog but frankly I’m just weary of the “there can’t be a God because there is suffering” argument. Who gets to decide this? is my rebuttal.

      I appreciate you taking the time to read my ramblings.

      I have a question for you regarding a book you reviewed months ago. I don’t want to post it here. If you read this my email is meemafields@gmail.com

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  2. prime example...if not for our great suffering after the loss of our precious first child...would we have ever fostered so many kiddos and ended up adopting sassy Miss Em. There is my truth about joy after suffering...BAM! thank you Jesus

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  3. Michele, your response hit the nail on the head! The spiritual purity test, discernment, and needing divine wisdom more than ever. The need for words to be with grace, seasoned with salt, so we will know how to answer every man...something I need help with. I also love Janet's example, and it's so true....it's the suffering we go through that brings true joy if we allow the Lord to train us. His grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in weakness. I appreciate the wisdom you bring to this blog also. ((((Hugging you all))))

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    1. We surely need all the wisdom we can handle right now! That's a fact!

      love you guys!

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  4. Oh how I envy those who have faith in God!

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    1. We all have faith in something or someone, mostly ourselves. Speaking only for myself, I’m a poor choice for being reliable in a crisis so this makes it easier to take the leap.

      Faith is just another word for trust. But over a great amount of time and with numerous experiences under my belt over the course of 69 years, I can claim that God has been my lifeboat and kept me afloat in some fairly perilous seas but there is way more to the concept of faith than just being rescued from trouble now and again.

      Experience is the confirmer for me. I’ve had enough time to evaluate the data and the clear results of having faith. At this point in my journey I conclude that the very best place to be is in the center of God’s will, regardless of our own. The only way to know what that is involves listening, obeying and trusting. At its most mature, faith easily and finally concedes to ‘though He slay me, will I trust Him.’

      Though He slay me...

      When one reaches that pinnacle, when one can say that and truly mean it, there is a release and freedom that defies all human explanation or understanding. There’s an old saying - well done is better than well said. People can preach and proselytize about faith all day long but until one does it, one can’t know what it truly is.

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