ethereal and earthly in discombobulation
This is the world I know. I know of no other sphere of being outside that which I have experienced. What have I to rest my time upon, if that which is like me has no foundation of being either? My being is contingent upon the order of the universe. I cannot survive unless that which I know remains as such. If man is responsible for the world as it is then I have man to thank for my existence, but I cannot find another who will claim that man is the foundation of my existence. What I have experienced is that my sphere of life commonly yearns for a life that is beyond this life, we cannot be satisfied with fullness even of the earthly type. If my life is the determination of a man then I ought, in common sense, to simply desire all that which man has created in its purposes; this is not my experience. I wish for the higher and realer, that which hard, bright, clear, and whole. I wish for that which man cannot provide, ever.
This world smells of disappointment. That’s awfully negative you might be thinking, but you have to agree. I have found more disappointment than satisfaction. How about you? Wouldn’t you agree? Ha! Of course not, real Spiritual people cant be disappointed! Right. It’s not that life is utterly disappointing, but surely it is overwhelmingly more disappointing that satisfying! Now, for those who were raised or converted in the fundamental Baptist movement, I know what you are thinking. You’re thinking that I am foolish, that I just simply need to lift, or, as the song so strongly states, “turn my eyes upon Jesus.” Now, that’s wonderful. That’s a great thought, so deep and pious. Ok, well I’m going to try. I’m not seeing anything? Hold on let me try again. Oh, yes, I know, it’s because I forgot to open my spiritual eyes. Ok, here goes again, this time with my spiritual eyes. Hmmm… life still seems disappointing. Am I a fool? Probably so, but I’d rather be honest with myself than continue in a world of self-deceit. I was taught as a young Christian that the Christian should rarely feel deep pain or question a motive of God with regard to his general disposition. Especially the males of the bunch! See, we males are the leaders, God-ordained some even say, and a good leader is strong, he must always believe, never faltering his positions on “truth.” See, we faithful have all the answers, we know it because we look with our spiritual eyes!
How shall we answer?
Dear children in the faith, I write in hopes of your eternal salvation. The world has called you its own; but yours in not to the pleasures of this world; yours is to the hope of the divine nature. Can you not see the darkness surrounding the light of day? Be not weary of your conversation; only live in a manner worthy of the death of Christ. The anger of the world must be fought with the power of love. Scoffers and abuser will arise against your heavenly pursuit, count the trial as joy in the suffering of Christ. You must find sufficiency of Christ and not of yourselves, for, how shall we live if we live in the strength of our own flesh? Our weaknesses are great and there is none to fight for your soul. Christ must be your all in all as the strength of this world will overcome your weary hearts. This I speak for your admonition. Hatred of God abounds and your refuge is found outside this hostile world. Christ is our hiding place, a rest in seasons of darkness, a comfort in the arms of destruction, hold to the hand of Christ for your guide, only his death will lead to your life.