Why Am I Illogically Irrational?

Ronald Nash, in his book Worldviews In Conflict, discusses the test of reason, or what he also calls the law of noncontradiction. Simply put, the law of noncontradiction says a proposition cannot be true and false at the same time and in the same sense; an object cannot be both square and round at the same time; we cannot be both human and dog, and so on. While this seems so elementary, it is a concept many people find difficult to apply to life.

It is amazing how often Christians will violate the law of noncontradiction in the name of faith. We experience this when everything about a person or a situation says “no”, but we ignore the obvious and say “yes” (or vice versa). We then explain this by acknowledging God’s ways are higher than our ways, which somehow justifies our making illogical and irrational decisions. Well, God’s ways are most definitely higher than our ways, but he also gives us all the information we need to make good choices and wise decisions. He is not withholding information we need to make decision that please him. That would contradict his nature. The rules for life and living established by God are clearly presented in scripture and have never changed.

If circumstances and people say no but God says yes, then we must also say yes. To do otherwise is to compromise what God wants to do through us. If, however, everything says no and we are not certain God has said yes, we should not move forward thinking we are giving God an opportunity to work a miracle. Assuming we can force God’s hand by doing what we want and not what He wants simply will not stand up to the test of reason. That is simply illogical. We have all seen too many Christians derailed because of this kind of presumptuous thinking. We cannot force God to perform miracles. That would contradict his sovereignty.  

God gave us sharp minds, discerning hearts, and the wisdom of the Spirit to show us what is good and right. Test what you feel God is telling you to do. If it contradicts his nature, his character, or his Word, then it has failed the ultimate test of reason. 

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.  –1 John 5:20

Life Through the Eyes of a Child

I just spent the first hour and a half of my day with my neighbor’s two sons, ages 4 and 6.  At 7:00 in the morning, I was amazed at Johnathan and Tyler’s energy and enthusiasm.  Eating breakfast, brushing their teeth and playing together for a few minutes before leaving for school were all met with the same excitement.  To these young boys, life is an adventure.  They are excited about everything, even the 40 minute drive we will take together this afternoon to pick up Alli from school.  I think of the traffic, the time, the gas….they think of all the great things they will see along the way.  I dropped them off at their church day school, with lunches and snacks in hand.  They know I’ll be back to get them this afternoon—their mom told them I would, and they believe her.  They have a sense of safety and security, because they are where Mom and Dad have arranged for them to be.  They are certain that they can do all things and meet all challenges that come their way this day because…well, because they are little boys!

 

Luke 18:16-17 tells us, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, will never enter it.”  As we grow and mature, we must remember not to lose our childlike trust and faith in God, our Father.  We must remember with excitement and joy that He will take care of us, He will guide us to where we should be, and that we can do all things through the power of Christ within us.  We must approach God each day with the enthusiasm of my friends Johnathan and Tyler–certain that He holds great and exciting things in store for us. 

Daily Insight: Having Faith in God

Jonah 2:3-4 “You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’”

The painful circumstances of life can make us ‘feel’ as if God has forsaken us. But God is love and He will not forsake those who love Him.  When we turn again toward him He will become clear to us.

Heavenly Father, in the midst of my storms I will look toward You.  Help me to find my way and to cling to Your love and mercy.  I have faith in You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord Grant Your Faith

Words to Live by – “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given faith.”  (I Corinthians 12:7, 9)

 

PRAYER:  Gracious and eternal Father, I know that belonging to Your spiritual family of believers is part of your perfect plan. In addition to the measure of faith that each of us have been given (Romans 12:3) You give a supernatural gift of faith to believe You for great things to take place in others. Grant me that kind of faith for others today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.