May 4, 2008
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Some thoughts for the day
Imagine the two following almost parallel situations. In the first, a man is told to go into a cave and write down exactly what he thinks the truth is. The truth about himself and everything. Once finished, he is also told, what he wrote be disseminated to be read by people all over the world. In the second situation, a man elects on his own to retreat to a cave where he will also write down exactly what he thinks the truth is. At the end he will burn everything he wrote, and then kill himself. The question is, supposing it is the same man in both scenarios, will what the man wrote be different in the two scenarios? Does not secrecy breed honesty, and honesty the true thoughts of a man?
One day I was walking along my campus and I saw a message written in chalk on the ground that said “Love your life!” It seemed like a positive and uplifting message for people. But it made me think:
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.”
I’ve got work to do, everyone have a great night.
Comments (4)
Some great thoughts. I think at times secrecy or anonymity does contribute to honesty and truth. I remember when I used to walk to work each morning in formerly wet cement someone wrote the words “God knows you.” It was such a simple and random statement. One that would comfort the saint and discomfort the sinner.
No, I do not think the writings would be the same, sadly. It also stresses the importance of stillness before God, where we come stripped down and agenda free.
hmm…what an interesting situation youve got here. i wouldnt say that honesty is always truth though. a man/woman can walk into a cave, spill his/her guts on the wall, but it can be gibberish to God. nothing more than man’s attempt to understand the truth. i dont think man can ever come to the truth by mere volition. there’s a supernatural element to knowing the truth. well, at least…that’s what scripture says. =)
haha, im prob. getting off topic here. but to answer the original question…sure, the man would give different responses in those separate scenarios. the obvious reason being he is not under force.
anyway, thanks for the thought-provoking things you write here. =)
I think that verse regards us letting go of everything in our lives, not necessarily “hating” those who are close to us. And to say “love your life” is easier said than done (or not done).