Blind Unbelief

Christians are oft accused of having "blind faith" by critics and supporters alike. Even Christians sometimes suggest that belief in God requires blind faith because there are so many unanswered questions about God. For example, we've all heard the challenge, "If God is good, why is there evil in the world?" Unanswerable questions like these prevent us from packaging God in our own little boxes. Instead, we build a theology that makes sense to us based on what we "know" about God and what we hope is true about God. We struggle to make sense of life as much as we can. After 40 years of seeking, I can say that our questions and seeking are all a part of it. God desires our trust and faith that no matter what happens, He is good and is working all things out according to His purposes. He will not let us box Him in or declare authoritatively that we know the "truth" about Him.

Recently, I read something - can't remember where or by whom - that suggested that unbelievers and atheists reject God out of "blind unbelief." A new concept for me, it made a lot of sense. We all live according to faith if you think about it. Christians have faith that there is a loving and good God who gives purpose and meaning to our lives. Unbelievers have faith that there is no God, neither good nor evil. Believing or non requires faith.

The journey of seeking God is the only way to develop an informed faith, again, either for or against. How can one dismiss God's reality without actively seeking Him? Seems to me that blind unbelief is far riskier and less satisfying than blind faith. We are only blind as long as we cannot see. Jesus said that there are none so blind as those who will not see. For me, God's presence is as obvious to me as the nose on my faith, but after 40 years, what can you expect? How about you? Have you given time to educating your faith or unbelief?

The Master Lifeguard

Today I was helping a friend with our weekly Bible study by typing up and emailing the scripture and synopsis for each day's lesson to her. On day three, the study began with the scripture in Romans 5: 6-11 "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God - all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends with God." NLT

I've loved this scripture for a long time because it always points to God's amazing love for us all and confirms that He is the Savior of us all. As I was typing it out today, I had a sudden insight. I don't know how God speaks to you, but oftentimes for me, it comes as a sudden revelation, like a bolt of lightening; a sudden knowing, in an instant.

I saw a lifeguard on a beach. There were people on the beach doing beach-type activities, while the lifeguard was scanning the water looking for someone in trouble. All of a sudden, someone starting flailing about, calling out for help. Like a shot the lifeguard jumped from his stand and flew to the water, jumping in head first and swimming like crazy to save the drowning person. It struck me that the lifeguard never for an instant gave a thought to the worthiness of the person drowning. Eg: Is this person a thief? Does this person lie or cheat? Are they an adulterer? Have they killed or harmed someone? Is it their own fault that they are drowning? None of that went through the lifeguard's mind - just that someone needed to be saved. The saving did not depend upon the worthiness of the one being saved, but upon the worthiness and character of the one doing the saving! I knew instantly that God was showing me, yet again, a picture of His amazing love and character. He saves us because of who He is, not because of who we are. Our salvation is more than secure because it's based upon His character and worthiness! Hallelujah! What a great God we have!!