I run three groups that each meet twice per week – the first two are for my high school clients, and the other is for my older but not “old” adult clients. We discuss job leads, interview techniques and other essential topics, but lately we’ve been discussing social skills. Today’s lesson was conflict resolution. The group began with the question, “Can any situation be negotiated?” After a few responses we somehow found ourselves debating God. I took a graduate level class on group dynamics, but I cannot tell you for sure how we ended up talking about God – I should probably lose counselor points for not intercepting, but I thought it best to let the discussion play out and then use it as an example of conflict resolution (fingers crossed).
All of a sudden the gloves flew off and the fangs came out – my client who months ago introduced himself as “probably the only non-Christian you will ever meet” offered the first blow: “God created man in his image. Man is flawed so God is flawed.” I heard another group member grunt in agreement. This is probably a good place to note that the group was comprised of 8 young men and myself, so there was no shortage of 20-something testosterone. I waited in silence for someone to comment, and didn’t have to wait long – another member who has been leaning on Christ to overcome addictions in his life spoke up for God, but a third actually summarized what I was trying desperately not to blurt out: Yes, we were made in God’s image, but we were also created with a mind and free-will, and we chose to sin. It is this choice which made us flawed. The aforementioned non-Christian repeated his argument – it was simply all he had.
I was thrilled that this exchange took place – it not only allowed me to wield my prowess and turn it into a teachable moment, but it also reminded me of how silly the non-Christian arguments truly are. How many of you have been bombarded by a pretty intelligent non-Christian who has made the exact argument that my client did? Yes, in the realm of logic he’s right – if X equals Y, and Y equals Z, then X equals Z. Something I’ve learned recently though, is that faith on the surface isn’t logical. It makes no sense to trust and believe in something that is unseen. It makes no sense to read a book written thousands of years ago that has been through countless revisions and translations and accept it as fact.
I’ve come to the conclusion that faith only makes sense once you have it. If you read through the New Testament you find that God looks out for us, only wants what is in our best interest, and longs for a relationship with his creation. If we choose to engage in this relationship, to renounce our sin and confess our faith in his crucified and resurrected son Jesus Christ, then we will inherit the earth. Even in the Old Testament we see glimpses of this grace – we read of Jonah, saved from the depths by a large fish and then despite arguing with God still receives grace; Ruth, whose faithfulness and willingness to follow God resulted in rewards. The Bible is simply chock full of examples – yet we doubt, we fight, we run away – it makes perfect sense to me how a non-Christian could think that Christianity is illogical. They don’t understand that the mystery of faith is not based on logic, but on that which is unseen and cannot be explained or proven. Christ can’t be explained away with a set of equations and photographs of his existence. Instead it is in the personal relationship with Christ where we begin to see him – a funny thing happens when we come to God with an open heart – he listens! When we come to God confused and hurt, he provides comfort! When we believe with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, we feel the tangible proof of Christ working in our lives through this relationship. James was right: “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8). Of course non-Christians don’t sense the presence of God - they haven’t embarked on a relationship with Christ.
Since actually reading the Bible, processing the messages, and praying to God, Christianity seems completely logical to me: Why wouldn’t we want a relationship with our God and creator? Why would we want to give up all the promises that this relationship brings? Why would we insist on ourselves for our every need when we have a supporter and helper through difficult times? I have no idea why someone would choose not to seek God – it no longer makes sense to me personally. I’m pretty sure, though, that it boils down to fear – fear of the unknown, fear of God not being real, fear of not having freedom. Only in Christ are we truly free – free to live as God intended, free from the shame and hardship of our sins, free from ourselves.
I found this last night as I was reading Romans for the umpteenth time (it’s funny how you find new insights every time you sit down with God’s word), that I believe has summarized the great debate for me:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
And
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38
I’m out. I think I could rest assured forever, on both of those verses that God is real, and that my relationship with him is of utmost importance. For those of you who need more convincing, I urge you to read your Bible and mine it for the treasures that it holds. Read it with an open heart, mind and soul, and be willing to be surprised by its power. Even if you haven’t accepted Christ into your heart as the savior of your life, pray for understanding and discernment as you read. Most importantly, get ready to be amazed.
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