to the Cross.
This is no doubt an uplifting song with a beautiful melody to remind us to turn back, go on our knees and surrender all...
Yet how simple it is so easy to say to one who struggles, "just bring it to the cross"!
But is it simplistic?
We all know that the depths of human despair is sin; sin that separates us from the perfection created for us to enjoy. Sin that separates us from a perfect relationship that God had intended for us and Himself (Gen 1-3).
However, I wonder also about this intrigue, this complexity of humanity, of anthropology: Do we denigrate people who struggle with their faith amidst all the wrenches that life throws at them and simply say, "You are just not bringing it to the cross". Are we so often guilty of throwing cookie cutter spiritual verbiage as antidotes to those who hurt and expect instant results, then shake our heads sadly when the antidotes do not seem to work immediately?
Then I ask, should we then condone them wallowing in their struggles, choosing to slip into the darkness of flesh and refusing to allow the light of Christ into their lives? How do we support them at this time both with theology and also with the awareness that our beings matter to our Creator too? What do we say that does not drive a knife into their already wounded selves? How long do we choose to suffer with their suffering?
Lord have mercy.
Yet how simple it is so easy to say to one who struggles, "just bring it to the cross"!
But is it simplistic?
We all know that the depths of human despair is sin; sin that separates us from the perfection created for us to enjoy. Sin that separates us from a perfect relationship that God had intended for us and Himself (Gen 1-3).
However, I wonder also about this intrigue, this complexity of humanity, of anthropology: Do we denigrate people who struggle with their faith amidst all the wrenches that life throws at them and simply say, "You are just not bringing it to the cross". Are we so often guilty of throwing cookie cutter spiritual verbiage as antidotes to those who hurt and expect instant results, then shake our heads sadly when the antidotes do not seem to work immediately?
Then I ask, should we then condone them wallowing in their struggles, choosing to slip into the darkness of flesh and refusing to allow the light of Christ into their lives? How do we support them at this time both with theology and also with the awareness that our beings matter to our Creator too? What do we say that does not drive a knife into their already wounded selves? How long do we choose to suffer with their suffering?
Lord have mercy.
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