Math was always a very tough subject for me. It's boundaries were so very restrictive-it was either a right or wrong answer-like 2+2=4, not 2+2 could be 4, or may 4 1/2. It couldn't feel like six, and changing the colors still added up to 4. It was exact, not like my life, so it had some accountability to it, and made it feel cold and impersonal. Which laws are. But then I found it could be used to measure things exactly-like engine sizes, or 1/4 miles, or car payments, and I began to see why its exactness was so important. I began to understand algebraic equations, and even some basic geometry. And once I learned its laws, I did OK. But one thing was consistent-it was cold, impersonal-you were either right or wrong-and it spoke a universal language. With no room for error. Did you realize that numbers are not restricted by the boundaries of countries-although the measurements are used to define them? That no matter what age you are, their laws still apply? They are their own language, not confined to English, Spanish, or French. Oui, oui, Senor. Numbers are without feeling-although we all want to be #1, you can wrap your arms around something that number represents, but can't touch the number itself. I can have five motorcycles-but I cannot hold the number five, it represents something, helps define it, and helps analyze it. Maybe the song is correct-one is the loneliest number.
Have you ever tried sticking your size 9 feet into a size 8 shoe? How about six gallons into your four gallon tank? Would you consider paying an extra $100 on your light bill? How about accepting less on your pay check? You see, numbers mean something, and mathematics are ruled by laws and theorems, not ideas, feelings, and opinions.
And when added to us, who seem to live by opinions and theories-some based on emotions, the two can collide. I am confused sometimes at how some people who are so religious, and conservative in their thinking, are caught under the law, and fight against the spirit leading their life. I am amazed, and always hurt, when I see men quote scripture, but have no love behind it. Win the argument, lose the soul. I encountered a man recently, a pastor, he calls himself, who has been seeking prayer for a man he knows. This man is into drugs, and needs help. Yet this pastor has been bombing him with scripture, and cannot understand why he won't come to church with him. And the pastor doesn't get it. Why go to church to get beat up, after being beat up by him all week? To this pastor, at least in this situation, the scripture is a cold law, a prescription to be filled, a measurement to be exacted. He hasn't realized the intimacy of Christ here, the love this man is missing and is crying out for, and when I approached him, with words of encouragement-essentially, back off the scripture, and show some compassion, this man needs a friend, not a law course, I was told to mind my own business-not his exact words, but a polite interpretation of his attitude. Remember Mike's #1 rule-never argue with an idiot because you will never win.
Jesus is not like this. He asked people what could he do. How can He help? He offered them love, compassion, and a place of rest. He is patient even today with us, as He wants none of us to go to hell. And contrary to worldly belief-God doesn't send anyone to hell-it is your choice to go, simply reject Jesus as God, and you go. But it is even easier to realize the truth and be set free-and heaven awaits.
Is your walk numbers driven? I must memorize 2 verses and read 3 chapters each day? Are you bound by laws that you yourself cannot even keep? And do you find that the God who once was so personal and truly set you free, is now reduced to a set of thou shalts, and thou shalt nots? Seek comfort and guidance from the holy spirit. He is a person and is personable, not a set of rules, and wants to spend time with you. It is what made the apostle John, John the beloved. He is who urges you to seek Christ, and who hopes, believes, and endures all things-just for you. For He is love, not an emotion, much more than that. He is God-and you can meet Him right here, right now-without stepping into a church. He comes to you, much like He came to earth 2000 years ago-to see and save those that are lost.
Laws are needed with numbers, and without them there would be bedlam. But without love, your testimony and witness will also be bedlam also. Be the person that you can be, your true potential only realized in Jesus Christ. And realize that the only thing that Jesus and the law of mathematics have in common is eternity! Jesus Christ-doing what the law can't-loving! Break free from the law today-and enter into the world of living in the spirit. Repeat offenders welcomed back. I hope to see you there!
love with compassion,
Mike
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