Dealing with the difficulties from within
Scripture reading: Matthew 13:1-17. Text: “…For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. Matthew 13:13-16. One may ask; if it is so important to pay attention, what is in the heart, and, we are better off if we listen to God’s word, then why is it that so many people who do not pray and go to church are seemingly successful and happy? What is wrong? May we focus our attention on the inner stumbling blocks that weaken our faith and hinder spiritual growth.
The real question is not do you like it, or do you agree with it, or do you profit from it, at that end, is it true or not?
WE DO NOT FEEL THE IMMEDIATE NEED OF HEALTHY SPIRITUAL LIFE. Let the medical science prove the point. The doctors can tell that it is for our advantage when the body can signal that something is wrong either by pain or fever. That illness that presents no symptoms about its destructive presence can be more serious or even fatal than the one that starts with aches and malaise.
Preventive medicine is an important part of medical science. Why do doctors recommend frequent checkups?
WE ARE USING ARTIFICIAL (and often worthless) SUBSTITUTES. In this modern age when science is so advanced that the artificial is stronger and better than the natural, it is not hard to assume that the same is also true concerning spiritual matters. Just think of the few professionals who offer their help and promise so much. They are right; they can help indeed, but only within their own field.
1. PSYCHOLOGY. The hidden and suppressed motivating forces can be made obvious and after recognizing the real source of problems it is easier to find solution, however, let us distinguish between confused thinking and sinful actions as well as unhealthy environment and blindfolding temptations.
2. ENTERTAINMENT. Is not it wonderful to relax, and just put our worries on the back burner of our conscience while we enjoy a nice show or a good party. The hobby can occupy our mind to such extent that we are apt to forget anything else.
3. INSURANCE. A good insurance policy can guarantee that your loss will be restored. This is true as long as we speak of banged up cars or stolen goods.
But how would you insure a blissful marriage and happy relationship? How much is your peace of mind worth? Can the value of life be expressed with financial figures?
4. KNOWLEDGE. Scientists know more than ordinary people do; in their given field they are experts, however, even scientists die, and the members of their families wish to be loved, cared for, and understood as anybody else. It cannot be denied that our scholars helped us tremendously yet there remained so many problems to be solved. We live better and easier but not necessarily without troubles and heartaches.
THE MISUNDERSTOOD PEACE AND PRIDE. The absence of violence does not qualify for peace. For the law it is sufficient if Cain leaves Abel alone but God wants more, no hatred, grudge, malice, and revenge in your heart toward your neighbor.
Please read Matthew 5:21-26 and Ephesians 4:26. Also separate humbleness from fear; modesty is not surrender to arrogance; repentance does not mean self-hatred; and confession of sin should not come from inferiority complex.
OVEREXPECTATION. What God wants to achieve through us indirectly we wish he would do it all by himself for our sake and on our terms. Let God satisfy every need, grant every prayer, stop every crime, prevent every disappointment, solve every problem, heal every wound, and save every soul. It seems we forget or overlook the very basic questions: who created whom and for what purpose? Is God supposed to keep up with the “inflation”, use the most sophisticated method, negotiate a contract with us, and see to it that he will be “popular” among his children?
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.