still going

I am writing this post pretty much just to keep the blog rolling. I recently had to take up a part time job in addition to my full time job to pay for a silly toy that I decided to buy. I firmly believe that human affections, for people, things, activities, etc., are God given; part of what makes us imago Dei, (see, throw in stuff like that and I sound smart, amI? or am I not? big question). Anyway, I haven’t had any time to write. Not that it matters too much, because I don’t suppose throngs of people are waking up each morning to see what’s in the P.O. Box (throngs of elves are a completely different matter though; those guys are incessant). Back to the point, I have struggled of late in determining the dividing line at which we allow ourselves to be involved with what we might call the “non-spirituals” (like said purchased toy). I wondered, would I have ever taken a second job to purchase say, an equal amount of theological volumes (which would still be appropriate for a lay person such as myself). Is there anything more estimable in this? Would I be more involved in my supposed piety? I know many Christians who would fault me for my purchase; they would consider is foolish, selfish, materialistic, even worldly (which is all to often a misnomer for non-adherence to one’s proposed idea of Christian existence). The actuality of the item aside, both the purchase and the ownership of the item have and continue to become a positive force to direct my attentions to Christ. I become amazed that my heavenly Father has intented Himself on me; that He has graced me to see His presence and activity even in this thing so much so that when I see the item, I don’t just see a material thing, but I see the goodness of my Father. Here I believe I find the dividing line. When we fail to see the presence of our Father, when we refuse to recognize His work, we yield ourselves to the rule of our flesh which is cursed in sin’s refusal of the Creator. If I find this thing as my enjoyment rather than the benefits of my Christ in it, then I have crossed the line of the flesh. To see Christ and love Him in it reveals the reality of His grace, for grace will bring me to Christ in all things He is desirous of for me.

This post has now gone where I did not know. Someday, I hope to return to a more consistent form.

Until then, I’ll be up early, home late, and seeking to find grace on my side of this rock.

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