Here's What I Try to Do
Submitted by Ford Prefect on June 26 2000 11:18:27
In reply to Oh dear, no this really won't do! submitted by Forgiven on June 25 2000 07:25:48
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What I seek is, first and foremost, to do God's will. I believe that as long as I keep that as my goal, God will lead me to it. How do I know the path? Here's where theology comes in. Hypothetically, scripture and doctrine could provide a ready-made map for me to follow. In actual fact though, I haven't found it to be that simple. Earlier applications of scripture and doctrine led me into paths that turned out to be dead ends. Now, I try to learn from past mistakes and follow the path that seems to be the most likely. But still, how do I tell if the path is leading in the right direction; that is toward fulfilling God's will? Again, theology comes in. But this time, instead of giving me a marked map, it gives me things to look for along the way to tell if the route is a good one. If I find I'm cutting myself off from most others, thinking I've been dealt a poor hand, thinking I have to have more and more acceptance just to exist, concentrating more and more on what I need, then I know I'm off the track. If I find myself becoming more generous with myself and my time, thinking more about others welfare, being grateful for what I have, then I know I'm probably headed in the right direction. Regardless of whether I'm on track or off it, I still experience happiness, pain, joy, suffering, success, failure. I've not found any of these to be good guides. ---Ford |
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