Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Transitional Moments


Everything goes from order to disorder, according to old Newtonian Mechanics. However, quantum physics takes things in a different direction and suggests that everything is made of energy and it is never lost, but rather changes form. They’re discovering new insights all the time in the science world, and these newest thoughts will probably change again (In fact they already are). As a distant onlooker, I find these things fascinating, and I wonder if we’ll ever reach the point where science and faith actually meet amicably. 

Most of us conduct our lives under the old assumption that things break down and diminish. Buildings don’t last, cars quit running, and all living things get old, sick, and die.  We hate it. We fight hard to resist it. We try not to think about it. We pray for it not to happen. We cry and mourn when our loves ones succumb to it. But we believe it’s inevitable.

But there is another law at work in spiritual realms and perhaps physics, too, where all things break down, but then there is rebuilding or regeneration. We see it all the time in nature, where living things break down into elements that are used to form and nurture new life. 

We see it in other ways, too. In moments of increased enlightenment, we note that our failures are not defeats, but defining moments that allow us to rebuild our lives into something greater. I see it when a person’s childhood faith is dissembled and makes way for deeper spiritual insight. We perceive of these transitional moments as catastrophic, but perhaps they are more like growth pains. 

The end of physical life can be seen this way, too.  We remind ourselves that life does not end, but changes forms when we step into eternity.  It’s a difficult transition, but it’s not termination. 

How many times did Jesus talk about this, especially in John:

“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24). 

He was speaking of all kinds of transitions where changes feel like loss but are really gains.

I often think of how Jesus gave up a lot of himself when he left heaven to come to earth as a child. And yet when he went through the entire transition that led to death on a cross, he was brought to an even higher place and is bringing us with him.  (Read Philippians 2:1-18 and get back to me). 

Remembering this makes me less scared of impending losses and less sad about the ones that have already occurred. Perhaps it can help me enjoy more of the moments I have here, and I can make better use of them.  Perhaps I can even be more generous in giving myself away. 

When I become less, I become more.

4 comments:

  1. I read Philipians 2:1-18 and I think I understand what you are saying. We cling to the things we see as achievements, stations, wealth accumulations, prestige, status and those things are nothing. They cannot transform as we must do eventually.
    It is saying that our ego, the part of us that needs reinforcement isn't capable of making the transition that God needs us to make, it will be left behind - as the hull of the seed, the waste of the plant.
    Our Saviour allowed himself to be transformed to walk this earthly realm and in that act, gave us life eternal - everyone of us. He is the kernel of wheat, the vine, the light, the way in a constant regeneration as alive as ever.
    That is why his sacrifice in John is so important? He knows who and what he is (I am he) and why this is happening...he lets go of the earthly things and walks naked (or almost at least) humbled toward his transformation and our salvation.
    Jesus shows us that only by giving into humility do we grow in spirit.
    At least, Pastor, I think that it what it means?

    Debbie

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  2. Debbie, You've put a lot of thought into this and you're writing is pretty, too. Yes, the point of Philippians is to stay humble and give ourselves away generously, as Jesus did. When we do, God renews us into the persons we were destined to be.

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  3. Pastor, in light of the tragedy in Connecticut, there is comfort here. That innocent adults and poor, sweet little children will be received iinto the arms of our Saviour. That their energy returns to the source of all love in a warm blue and loving light.
    What happens to the seeds sown by the twisted mind that ravaged an elementary school and a community?
    If he is a Christian, is he saved?
    Debbie

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    1. Debbie, these are important question, and I promise to address them in the next few days. But it doesn't feel like the right time for me to get into the subject.

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