An Intellectual Pursuit

Scripture: Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13

Observation: Our hope in Jesus, and the grace of God, is not to be based on some emotional hunger or fear, but in our intellect ... with a mind that is "alert and fully sober". In other words, a fully functional and thoughtful intellect, with sound judgment and analysis.

Application: A friend once told me that Christianity was for "weak people who can't emotionally handle life." To this day, I don't know how to respond to that.

I mean, I know how I COULD have responded. I could respond with the entire intellectual analysis of the alignment of science and true (not what the History Channel broadcasts) Christian beliefs. I could run through everything about how most of the great intellects of all time have believed in God. I could enter into such a philosophical debate that I would have crushed my friend. And that would have accomplished ... nothing.

And I know how I DID respond. I first paused and waited for my friend to realize exactly what that sentiment implied about me. Then I responded how Paul teaches - I spoke about "Christ crucified" - that I believe Jesus was the son of God who died for all our sins and that He loves my friend. And that accomplished ... well, nothing yet.

The bottom line is that I know that my faith in Jesus is not some emotional crutch I cling to for some hope that my life has meaning. On the contrary, my faith is based on an intellectual knowledge of the mathematical certainty that God exists, through first-hand observational experience with God, and the understanding that God has systematically revealed both himself and his son Jesus to mankind. I don't hope for meaning in my life - I know that the only meaning I will ever have is based on what I can do to bring God's kingdom to earth and show Jesus to others.

Today, I am thankful that Peter clearly reminded me that our faith as found in our minds - that I know Jesus, and my work is to make him known to others.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you know I needed this today. In the last 24 hours, I have become focused on my earthly failures ... the fact that, by earthly standards, I have pretty much failed to live up to my potential. However, I know - not hope, not believe, but know - that my life will never be measured by the number of books I publish, or money I make, or adventures I have, or trophies I won. My life will be measured based on one question: What did I do about your son, Jesus?

What I am doing is I love him, I am telling others about him, and I am seeking to serve his people and do his purposes here on earth. Please keep me strong in body, mind, heart, and soul, so I can do this all effectively for you. Amen.