Day 7: The Reason for Everything
Once again I'm reminded right from the start of this chapter that Rick Warren and I have very different starting points. I don't claim to actually know where I start, but I know that it's not where Rick starts, where "the ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God." But let's see what else Rick has to say today.
So, what does it mean to live for someone else or specifically for God's glory? I wonder whether Christians have a different idea of what "glory" means. To me, glory implies a lot of pride that is unbefitting of someone pursuing spiritual or religious humbleness. But maybe "living for God's glory" in the Christian sense just means to live to a higher standard?
And it's interesting to hear that "we cannot add anything to this glory." Does this mean that the best we can do is to not screw it up?
And to say that we should live for God's glory because "God deserves it" for creating everything. True, the world is beautiful in so many, countless ways that are impossible to describe, but there is also much ugliness in the world. Brutal, inhuman ugliness that is implied or explicitly stated in movies such as the Machine Gun Preacher and the Green Mile.
Rick's saying that "refusing to bring glory to God [presumably by sinning] is prideful rebellion". Does that mean we are all born rebels? Perhaps that differs by Christian denomination, but I'm not 100% sure. I'm actually not sure where Citylife specifically stands on this, actually, so I'll have to remember to ask sometime.
Furthermore, Rick groups humans and fallen angels as the only two things that do not bring glory to God. Does this mean that fallen angels can repent and be saved as well?
Why does finding out a purpose have to be such a struggle? Rick's statements made me ponder this question more. When I started reading the book, I had a very impatient and self-serving attitude that God should've just told me my purpose. But, when I think about it some more, if I was just told my purpose, would I really accept it and live to fulfill it?
I think to my conversation with my friend and colleague with whom I try never to give orders just for the sake of getting something done. Especially when there is a difference of opinion, I want us to talk together to reconcile our differences so that going forward we can autonomously make decisions that take into account each others viewpoints. Maybe this is why I have to discover my own purpose and why God cannot simply tell me what it is. Nothing's ever easy, I guess.
Now, here is a powerful statement that I am thinking about more and more, with different wording: Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." I've been thinking a lot about the issue of trust between humans. Jesus never asked for anyone to prove themselves before "trusting" them, did he? I don't know, but I feel like that's the likely case. What I'm thinking of is, "As I have trusted you, so you must trust one another." How beautiful would that be, to live in a world where we can trust everyone we meet, including strangers?
To start, I have to redefine the word "him" to have the sentence make more sense to me. If I define "him" as my fellow humans on this Earth, then I can agree that my life should yield a net positive benefit to all of my neighbors. But, I do have some differing viewpoints on how that net positive benefit can best be achieved.
I think this means: When can we stop in the day to reflect on how lucky we are and how beautiful much of the world is? I think it's probably important to include this reflection at least three times a day. First, when I wake up, I can reflect and charge my mornings with positive energy. Second, during lunch, I can reflect again to make adjustments to my behavior based on any deviations I encountered in the first part of the day. Finally, before bed, reflecting one final time will hopefully put me in an optimistic mood and help me rest better and plan better.
Actually, now that I'm talking about this "multiple reflections per day" deal, it's starting to make sense to me why Muslims would want to pray multiple times per day.
So, what does it mean to live for someone else or specifically for God's glory? I wonder whether Christians have a different idea of what "glory" means. To me, glory implies a lot of pride that is unbefitting of someone pursuing spiritual or religious humbleness. But maybe "living for God's glory" in the Christian sense just means to live to a higher standard?
And it's interesting to hear that "we cannot add anything to this glory." Does this mean that the best we can do is to not screw it up?
And to say that we should live for God's glory because "God deserves it" for creating everything. True, the world is beautiful in so many, countless ways that are impossible to describe, but there is also much ugliness in the world. Brutal, inhuman ugliness that is implied or explicitly stated in movies such as the Machine Gun Preacher and the Green Mile.
Rick's saying that "refusing to bring glory to God [presumably by sinning] is prideful rebellion". Does that mean we are all born rebels? Perhaps that differs by Christian denomination, but I'm not 100% sure. I'm actually not sure where Citylife specifically stands on this, actually, so I'll have to remember to ask sometime.
Furthermore, Rick groups humans and fallen angels as the only two things that do not bring glory to God. Does this mean that fallen angels can repent and be saved as well?
Why does finding out a purpose have to be such a struggle? Rick's statements made me ponder this question more. When I started reading the book, I had a very impatient and self-serving attitude that God should've just told me my purpose. But, when I think about it some more, if I was just told my purpose, would I really accept it and live to fulfill it?
I think to my conversation with my friend and colleague with whom I try never to give orders just for the sake of getting something done. Especially when there is a difference of opinion, I want us to talk together to reconcile our differences so that going forward we can autonomously make decisions that take into account each others viewpoints. Maybe this is why I have to discover my own purpose and why God cannot simply tell me what it is. Nothing's ever easy, I guess.
Now, here is a powerful statement that I am thinking about more and more, with different wording: Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." I've been thinking a lot about the issue of trust between humans. Jesus never asked for anyone to prove themselves before "trusting" them, did he? I don't know, but I feel like that's the likely case. What I'm thinking of is, "As I have trusted you, so you must trust one another." How beautiful would that be, to live in a world where we can trust everyone we meet, including strangers?
Point to Ponder: It's all for him.
To start, I have to redefine the word "him" to have the sentence make more sense to me. If I define "him" as my fellow humans on this Earth, then I can agree that my life should yield a net positive benefit to all of my neighbors. But, I do have some differing viewpoints on how that net positive benefit can best be achieved.
Question to Consider: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
I think this means: When can we stop in the day to reflect on how lucky we are and how beautiful much of the world is? I think it's probably important to include this reflection at least three times a day. First, when I wake up, I can reflect and charge my mornings with positive energy. Second, during lunch, I can reflect again to make adjustments to my behavior based on any deviations I encountered in the first part of the day. Finally, before bed, reflecting one final time will hopefully put me in an optimistic mood and help me rest better and plan better.
Actually, now that I'm talking about this "multiple reflections per day" deal, it's starting to make sense to me why Muslims would want to pray multiple times per day.