Paul's Passing Thoughts

Susan and I saw The Book Thief  last night. It was certainly one of the most thought provoking movies I have ever seen. For those who embrace life through words, the movie will be entrancing. It is a two hour journey into what really matters, so leaving the movie and perusing the other marques on the way out of the theater was a different trip from the sublime to the profane. But in many ways, other movies people find entertaining are indicative of a thoughtless existence that ends up being the same narrative of The Book Thief; people suffering under the tyranny made possible by our own ignorance and frivolous approaches to life. Lack of pondering is where life is most dangerous.

After many hours of pondering the movie, and borrowing from subjects that are important to me, my mind has summarized some conclusions. I conclude that a complete person is one who understands what is important in life, and is on a journey of implementing those principles. Since I am free to share them, I will do so.

A complete person is free.

This is the freedom to pursue happiness and the satisfaction of maximizing the gift of potential. It is the freedom to be responsible for “the sum and substance of your own life.”*

A complete person is reconciled to God.

A complete person is at peace with God according to wisdom. They know how to control their own bodies, and are not enslaved to passions that wrong others. This is made possible by God’s forgiveness of our sins, and a new life in Jesus Christ. You may think it strange that this is not listed first, but man must know he is free and capable in seeking God himself, and that there is only ONE mediator between God and man—Jesus Christ.

A complete person recognizes equality.

A complete person recognizes that people are different, but are equal in regard to the importance of what they contribute to humanity. Therefore, justice is indeed blind and concerned with fairness. Justice takes vengeance on those who do not treat others the way they would want to be treated.

A complete person is courageous.

A complete person knows the seasons of life. They embrace those seasons with their emotions and seek no escape. When times are good, they rejoice. When times are bad, they consider, and they always seek the goodness that is always present in the land.

A complete person is a learner.

A complete person is always seeking wisdom, and is leery of the frivolous.

A complete person is hopeful.

A complete person knows the end of man’s story and rejoices in hope while hiding himself from trouble. But ultimately, when life corners him, he will mock its tragedy.

A complete person believes in the right republic.

A complete person recognizes that government’s purpose is to aid mankind in the other six pursuits. A proper government recognizes that strong individuals make a strong group.

Contrary to that, the wrong government deems man as incompetent to be free, and concludes that the freedom of man will lead to chaos. A contrary government will claim to be a mediator between you and God. A contrary government doesn’t believe men are created equal. A contrary government believes that learning and ideas are dangerous—those two tempt man to be free. A contrary government teaches that man’s only hope is in government. A contrary government believes man is weak, and what little bit he has to offer must be contributed to the group. If he cannot meet the government standard of worthy contribution, he should gladly give his life.

These elements are also useful in choosing a church. Are your ideas a threat? Do they teach that they are needed for you to be reconciled to God? Do they believe leadership has a special anointing that others do not have? Do they offer an escape from the rigors of embracing the emotions of horizontal life? Do they discourage or stay aloof from the idea of independent learning? Do they devalue definitive knowledge of the future? Do they emphasize the weakness of the individual and the strength of the institution? Do they offer an escape from being responsible for the “sum and substance of the life that bears your name”?*

We must remember: bondage started with a tyrant convincing Adam and Eve that they needed a mediator between them and God, and this tyranny trickles down into every aspect of humanity.

paul

*Church historian John Immel.