I bought a new computer two weeks ago. It’s an Apple, not a PC. Have you seen the television commercials? Then you know what I’m talking about. I bought it for Loreen to use. I decided that she depended too much on my limited skills and she needed a whole new approach. The deal included 50 lessons. She is on her way.
I was amazed that all the computing power of her Apple fits inside the monitor. There is no separate box. Furthermore, a little square spot at the top of the monitor can snap her picture and send it into cyberspace. She can also make a video of herself at the computer. All I brought home was the 17 inch monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. Is that small, or what?
As I thought about how good we are at making big things small and small things big, I remembered an article I read recently about Norman Mailer. He’s the famous writer who wrote several novels about World War II. His very first, written at age 26, was entitled The Naked and the Dead. Mr. Mailer has just written another novel about the War. This one is called The Castle in the Forest.
In the interview that I read, Norman Mailer is quoted as saying, “I do believe that there is a creator. But I don’t believe that God is all good or all powerful. I believe that he or she is doing what he or she can, against some large odds.”
Let’s see. That makes God like us, right? We are men and women doing the best we can against large odds. In less than 40 words, Mr. Mailer made someone very big, very small. If God is like me, then I don’t need him. Furthermore, I should work harder at removing the “large odds” standing in God’s way. Let’s all pitch in and give God a hand.
As I thought about this, I realized that many of us who profess faith in Christ share Norman Mailer’s theology. We carry the attitude that God cannot do certain things unless we do something first. If we behave as we ought, then God is able to bless us with health and happiness. If we witness as we ought, then God is able to save people. If we pray for missionaries, then God is able to bless their work. If we work harder and smarter, then God is able to make our churches grow.
Sorry, folks, but I must stand against the idea that God is unable to act independently without my cooperation. Jesus chided the people of his day because they made God small. He reminded them that God was so good and so great that he even numbered the hairs on their heads. “Don’t worry,” he said. God not only cares for us, he is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)
I’m glad that God isn’t limited by my efforts. I refuse to make myself bigger than I am or God smaller than he is.
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3 comments:
This entry is right in line with Pastor Scott's sermon yesterday, as we begin Vision Month. "If God be your partner, make your plans large!"
Andy Spade
What is the Biblical definition of "vision"?
Is it biblical to place unbelievers in different "levels" of unbelief? I know of only one level...dead(John 6:44, Romans 8:7-8, Ephesians 2:1, etc, etc.) An unbeliever is dead unless the Holy Spirit does a supernatural work in their(elect) heart, then they are alive because He who begins a good work will finish it.
Is the goal of evangelism to move people from "one level to the next"? Or is the goal of evangelism as John Stott put it,"To evangelize...does not mean to win coverts...but simply to announce the good news, irrespective of the results"?
Thanks.
Brent
These are good questions, Brent. In regards to your first question, Hebrew and Greek words translated "vision" in our English Bibles invariably have to do with special revelation from God. In common usage, however, our use of the word usually refers to human ability to envision the future, or to think creatively about what can be. Thus, we sometimes speak of people being "visionaries."
Regarding the second question, I would prefer to use a word other than "level." However, it seems clear to me that some people are more unresponsive to the gospel than others. I would probably use the word "stages" to describe the manner in which people gradually come to put their faith in Christ. I agree that without the new birth, people are dead in their relationship with God. However, God is at work even in the hearts of those who are dead. I don't think, for instance, that the Apostle Paul jumped suddenly from total disbelief to full belief. Jesus was probing his heart. I see stages there.
Regarding your third question, I totally agree with John Stott in his definition of evangelism. However, I have noticed that God normally uses more than one witness in the process. While the ultimate goal of evangelism is to declare good news, it is also clear to me that each person who witnesses plays a valuable role.
Thanks for allowing me to answer your questions, however briefly.
Jerry
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