In my
chemistry days we weighed compounds and reagents in containers: beakers,
crucibles, or sometimes a piece of non-reactive paper. To get an accurate
measurement, however, we would have to subtract the weight of the container, or
first “zero” the scale (if electronic) with the container on the scale. Of
course, one must check the scale from time to time, too, with known test
weights to make sure the mass of one’s samples is being measured accurately and
consistently.
The
analytical machines required a similar process. When working with liquid
samples, for example, from time to time we would analyze known test
concentrations of the compound being measured to make sure those samples were
being processed accurately. In effect, these are chemistry “reality-checks.”
In
problem-solving the crucial question is generally “what do we know about the
problem?”And to effectively answer that question one must determine “how good
is our information?” After all, we are seeking to understand what is really
occurring—what is reality? Objective data always trumps subjective experience.
To the
point, as one listens to contemporary Christian music, it seems a
large volume of contemporary Christian music is directed to hurting
souls. Countless times in the last few
years—and just when I needed it -- I have been humbled, encouraged, and
blessed by the message of an inspired song. But, why do I need so much
encouragement?
In truth, my
concern is not about the music on the radio. It is rather, the condition of my
heart. Because as I drive by the homeless to my comfortable home; or as I learn
about the exponential growth of religious persecution as I sit in my
comfortably-appointed church building, or leave the bedside of a terminally ill
patient, or as I read my monthly newsletters from mission organizations, I
realize the deep distress that I sometimes feel is a little out of balance with
my reality. My struggles are really pretty minor when compared to others. But
my perceived pain is not. In effect, I’m weighing my pain without subtracting
the nicely insulated container. One does not need to renounce the comforts of
one’s life, but we need to somehow mathematically subtract them so that our
distress and pain is seen more realistically.
A Nigerian
believer, gravely injured a in a bomb attack on his church wrote, “After going
through what I went through, seeing
other Christians go through suffering, having Christians encourage me and pray
for me, it all brought me closer to Christ.”[1]
I have often
joked with patients that “the definition of ‘major surgery’ is any kind of
surgery happening to me; while ‘minor surgery’ is any kind of surgery happening
to anyone else.” That inward focus can also apply to one’s perspective on
spiritual distress.
A brother in
Nigeria considers his injury a blessing, while I consider my bank balance a
trial. If our brother’s testimony teaches us anything, if world news teaches us
anything, if history has taught us anything, if the Bible has taught us
anything—then we should know that adversity accompanies the life of the
believer. God uses suffering and difficulty to mold and refine His children.
And by comparison, it appears that we in the West have had it pretty easy so
far. Jeremiah was reminded that he needed to grow up and toughen up—in his faith,
trust and endurance. In response to some of his questions and complaints, God
responded,
If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out, how can you conquer horses? If you stumble in safe
country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan? (Jeremiah 12:5, NIV)
I am a lot
like young Jeremiah; perhaps that analogy aptly describes many in the American
church. So, let’s re-calibrate; let’s do a reality check. Difficult times come our way; perhaps more difficult times are ahead. But, we have a big God! Let us be
encouraged to look beyond ourselves and grow in His grace and strength and
wisdom.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus,
the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the
throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against
himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle
against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating
you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you
are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are
illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers
who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to
the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it
seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his
holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but
later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been
trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak
knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be
put out of joint but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:1-4, 7-13 ESV)
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