Perhaps it is on my mind lately due to the fact that my child is now being forced to hear of evolution in middle school (as part of a new state standard). I’m not sure. But I have been thinking about our purpose. I wonder why we were created. Why was any of this created?
I have no doubt that there are things that have evolved over the years. I know that I am a product of evolution myself. My brain and my spirit have evolved from where they once were. I have learned to control my anger and my tongue in most circumstances – this was not always so.
With that being said, I am bothered by the decisions made by “representatives of the people” to shove this doctrine down my child’s throat. To be fair, I am not afraid for Grace. I’m really not. This particular child knows firmly what she believes and has a natural bent toward standing up for it. Her faith is not something that is easily swayed. I think the hard part for me is that we are living in a time where Christianity – faith in Christ, is unacceptable. Followers of Christ are treated as less intelligent. Less informed. Perhaps even crazy.
Our faith and what we believe does not align with the social norm. Honestly though, Christianity never has. And I am so grateful for it!
Christ saw people. He loved them right where they were at. Christ was a servant leader. He not only talked the talk, but he walked it. This Jesus, met the needs that no one else had the ability to meet in the lives of others. He healed. He blessed. He provided. He forgave. He corrected. He rebuked. He saved. Jesus Christ loved those the world saw little value in.
Interestingly, our society, which seems to tout the concepts of equality and freedom, have very little interest on focusing on the only One who really modeled these concepts effectively.
Our over inflated sense of superior knowledge towards our brothers and sisters, supersedes our feelings of care and concern for them. We are much more concerned about being right and shoving our right beliefs (especially politically) down each others throats than we are to show kindness. Love. Respect. Care. Concern. Even while we in some way believe that our reason for doing so lies in our deep commitment to humanity. It makes no logical sense.
What we believe knowledge actually is cannot be agreed upon if it is interpreted through so many different damaged filters. Unfortunately, we as humans are unable to separate ourselves from those filters.
There has to be a better way to live. A better standard. And there is…
“But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.” (1 Corinthians 8: 1-3)
When we stop trying to flaunt our knowledge, and begin to place a higher priority on loving and loving well – real change can begin to happen. Instead of criticism and attack, love and encouragement will show up in their place. It is only in this condition that people will really matter. All people.
I choose to find my model for love in the One who loved us enough to take on my sin as His own and was willing to make His way to the cross so that I could be free. I choose to believe that His live is worth imitating to the best of my ability.
“There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one LORD, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)
I was created by God- and I live for Him. I am able to live for God through the help and strength of Jesus Christ. So are you.
Blessings!