Of course this blog is my opinion. You may disagree and of course thats fine. I will at least say, "I could be wrong." Are you willing to say the same thing about your stance? : )
This blog is in reflection of the horrific events of Friday December 14 in Connecticut.
As we reflect on the murder of so many innocent people as Christians (or even religious people) the natural question tend to ask either out-loud or in our hearts is, "God... is this really part of your plan?"
And I want to answer this and say "NO!!" This is not and has never been part of His plan. The scripture is very clear that the thoughts and intentions of mans heart is ALWAYS evil.
Genesis 6:5-6 says, "The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled."
This is a passage that we should look at and think, "Hmmmm, if things are going the way God had planned why was He "deeply troubled" at the way we behave back in Genesis 6:6?"
God is absolutely not surprised by our actions or evil events that happen in society. Actions and events have always been a possibility to God. Our choice is what makes it (events or actions) a reality. I believe that love and freedom imply risk. In creating, God took a risk. He created with love and gave us freedom. That love and freedom was handed to us as He trusted us to make right choices and we broke that trust.
Think of when you fell in love with your spouse (or boy/girlfriend). Love is a risk. You risk being hurt and rejected. When you hand your heart over to be loved and give love you are totally open and vulnerable and there is always the horrible chance that they could turn around and reject you and break your heart. If you have ever suffered from a broken heart you understand this emotion and the depths of how much it hurts.
The fact is that love is a complete choice. My choice in love is to reciprocate that love or reject it.
I believe that it is the same with God.
A question that may come out of this dialog is, "Well then God is totally out of control and is wringing His hands hoping we don't mess-up too much." If this is your thought please re-examine your view on the nature of God. God is not in confusion and worried about what we are going to do. In fact He understands and knows every out come of every one of our decision (factual or abstract) to infinity. Just because God “knows” all things doesn’t mean He created it to happen.
God knew the tragedy of Friday December 14th would happen. Just not as an absolute event that He made happen. Rather He knew it as a possibility that could happen as people are free to make choices. Just as when He created mankind He knew rebellion and murder was a possibility but in love God trusted and believed the best. And it didn’t go the way He hoped. Just like thousands of parents everyday have new born babies. Those parents have dreams and hopes and visions for those children... but something happens. Those kids grow up and begin making their own choices. Sometimes those "free will" choices are bad choices. And stray from what mom and dad had originally dreamed for their precious little ones.
Hope this helps when you are confused about “why things are happening”. Know this. God is good.
And remember, when your theology leads you to question Gods goodness. Don't question God. Question your theology.
