REAL-ationship

Where to even start. Broken. Fallen. That’s basically what our understanding of God comes down to. In every aspect. His nature. His will. His heart. Dare I say that in the arena of inter-personal relationships we lack more than in most other arena’s. Not even to mention the apparent minefield which is inter-gender relationships.

Following recent discussions with compatriots in this journey, I have been pondering the source – the central cause – of the confusion, misunderstanding and complication that is caused by so much of what is taught in church and the like.

One cause I believe is inflicting damage, is the assumption that teachings should be taken and applied in exactly the same way by each and every person sitting under it. What does that say about the One that created the universe...? He’s creative, not monotonous and boring. Teachings are also not to be the primary source for our spiritual growth and our walk with God. Simply because...yes, people get it wrong sometimes...yes, people sometimes add their own opinion. We’re all h-u-m-a-n...peccable... fallible...weak. One of my favourite authors, Francis Chan, explains it this way(paraphrased) - We cannot assume that any or all teachings (about living the Christian life) are incorrect, but merely incomplete. (from his book Crazy Love, paraphrased). We are called to be followers of Christ, not followers of our favourite preachers or teachers.

I believe that a pivotal part of the puzzle is our (lack of) understanding and grasp of the character of God. Until we understand the Love of this God that made us, knows us and relentlessly pursues us, all the principles in the world and the teaching on them will somewhere along the line be digested as more rules that just another person is trying to get us to live by... So how do we gain this understanding that is spoken of?

There is but one way. Relationship. A real, open, uninhibited, un-edited relationship with the Creator of the Universe... He gets us better than we get ourselves. When an appliance does not work and the directions don’t bring you anywhere, who better to turn to than the manufacturer.

I’m walking this journey myself, and I too hope to gain some insight on this matter myself. Subsequently I would like to not teach anyone what I have learnt, potentially positioning them in my frame of reference. Subsequently I would however love to share what it is that I am learning, and in the process I hope to point people to the only One that can provide better insight and understanding of His love for them...as well as His love for the people around them...uniquely and individually as they are.

After all, the toaster’s manual will help you nothing in trying to fix the television...