Thanks to my sister-in-law for this great picture from her trip to Alaska.
We do indeed live in a culture of "looking out for #1" as it were. One of the challenges of my blogging is trying not to inundate my postings with the I's. Even though the blog is about my thoughts and ideas and experiences there is a way of communicating without constantly using that personal pronoun. It is equally as hard to live a life that is not focused on me. I love the line,"enough about me, what do you think about me?". That line seems uncomfortably instructive about our culture and my life in particular. I try to filter some of the more obviously narcissistic flurries of thought that enter my brain but alas they eventually surface after a short fight. In my defence there are a lot of influences that would suggest focusing on one's self is of utmost importance. Ever heard of Dog and Cat Theology? It's a several week study of the Christian faith and what would seem to be the overriding theme of God's work among us. While there is a personal component to it all the suggestion, a well supported one at that, is that the ultimate goal of God's work is to bring glory to Himself. Most of my head scratching during this study was due to my trying to grasp this relatively simple truth. God's focus in bringing salvation to us wasn't us, though thankfully salvation is indeed offered to us. But His desire, His intent, is to bring glory to Himself. This was received as an affront to my ego and is yet being examined for possible loopholes. I get the God wanting glory thing, but His glory should be derived from what He did for me. And while that statement is not entirely a false one the premise puts more emphasis on me then God's work on the cross. God is glorious due to His saving me. Actually, God's glory is derived from His nature. He is wonderful, powerful, compassionate, forgiving, etc., etc. My salvation flows from and points to His nature. His glory and worth does not flow from my accepting of His goodness. I reckon at this point I've pretty well lost anyone who has happened on this blog and I apologize for that. The string is getting a little thin for me as well but it was, and still is, a matter of consideration for my heart to try and understand the finer points of my faith. It is important enough, however, to keep trying. I hope God's glory has, or will, find it's way into your life on a personal level.
