Backburner

I recently picked up a series of little books published by the guys who do Relevant magazine called the "foundations of faith" series. I was first drawn in from their homepage by a small banner boasting a $4 book sale, only to be convinced into making a purchase by the catchy cover art and long list of reputable authors in the series: Augustine, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, G.K. Chesterton, and Blaise Pascal.

I'm a couple chapters into Augustine's handbook and he has already brought up some interesting points on the interdependency of faith, hope, and love shown in the Lord's prayer, the goodness of creation, and the problems of evil and lying. Chapter V ended poignantly, and the following jarred me a bit:

"For the liar thinks he does not deceive himself and that he deceives only those who believe him. Indeed, he does not err in his lying, if he himself knows what the truth is. But he is deceived in this, that he supposes that his lie does no harm to himself, when actually every sin harms the one who commits it more that it does the one who suffers it. "

I've been thinking about that last line for a little bit, and I'm not sure that I entirely agree. I think I'd be hard-pressed to argue that sin doesn't harm the one who commits it, for it certainly does. Whether it is a loss of one's humanity, a hardening of one's heart against love, or a disconnect from God, one's sins certainly have an impact on one's relationships, moral compass, self-worth, and soul.

However, I think that the impact can be just as profound on those whom the trespass is leveled against. The first damages that come to my mind are physical. My thoughts are immediately drawn to those in need of aid who suffer under the greed, bigotry, and hate of others. I think there are spiritual ramifications for those who have been sinned against as well. A dear friend of mine has trouble believing in God's righteousness and justice because of the problems of pain and evil that are so pervasive. Another friend of mine was raped and was hardened against the concept of love, including God's. It's been really obvious to me in my own experience that the sins of others can devastate others physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I think one of the reason's that Paul so often commands the early churches to live out their faith in righteous works is because of the profound impact that their actions and their words have on others, especially under the scrutiny of all as they label themselves Christian.

It's been a bit of a step for me but I'm finally starting to take responsibility for my own words, actions, and thoughts again. It's a bit belated, I know. Not only are they a reflection on my honor before God and man, but they are a reflection of the Church and the body of believers I so readily call my brothers and sisters. Further more, there IS an impact following my words and actions that I have, until recently, passed off as inconsequential. My convictions can no longer rest dormantly on the backburner, and now, being in front of me, it's my charge to live a redeemed life. I recently picked up a series of little books published by the guys who do Relevant magazine called the "foundations of faith" series. I was first drawn in from their homepage by a small banner boasting a $4 book sale, only to be convinced into making a purchase by the catchy cover art and long list of reputable authors in the series: Augustine, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, G.K. Chesterton, and Blaise Pascal.

I'm a couple chapters into Augustine's handbook and he has already brought up some interesting points on the interdependency of faith, hope, and love shown in the Lord's prayer, the goodness of creation, and the problems of evil and lying. Chapter V ended poignantly, and the following jarred me a bit:

"For the liar thinks he does not deceive himself and that he deceives only those who believe him. Indeed, he does not err in his lying, if he himself knows what the truth is. But he is deceived in this, that he supposes that his lie does no harm to himself, when actually every sin harms the one who commits it more that it does the one who suffers it. "

I've been thinking about that last line for a little bit, and I'm not sure that I entirely agree. I think I'd be hard-pressed to argue that sin doesn't harm the one who commits it, for it certainly does. Whether it is a loss of one's humanity, a hardening of one's heart against love, or a disconnect from God, one's sins certainly have an impact on one's relationships, moral compass, self-worth, and soul.

However, I think that the impact can be just as profound on those whom the trespass is leveled against. The first damages that come to my mind are physical. My thoughts are immediately drawn to those in need of aid who suffer under the greed, bigotry, and hate of others. I think there are spiritual ramifications for those who have been sinned against as well. A dear friend of mine has trouble believing in God's righteousness and justice because of the problems of pain and evil that are so pervasive. Another friend of mine was raped and was hardened against the concept of love, including God's. It's been really obvious to me in my own experience that the sins of others can devastate others physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I think one of the reason's that Paul so often commands the early churches to live out their faith in righteous works is because of the profound impact that their actions and their words have on others, especially under the scrutiny of all as they label themselves Christian.

It's been a bit of a step for me but I'm finally starting to take responsibility for my own words, actions, and thoughts again. It's a bit belated, I know. Not only are they a reflection on my honor before God and man, but they are a reflection of the Church and the body of believers I so readily call my brothers and sisters. Further more, there IS an impact following my words and actions that I have, until recently, passed off as inconsequential. My convictions can no longer rest dormantly on the backburner, and now, being in front of me, it's my charge to live a redeemed life.