David here. It has been good to have discussions on our blog over the last couple of weeks. I want to encourage all those who have used this avenue to continue to do so, and spread the word to your friends and family. You never know who might want to participate. If you are new to the blog, jump in the discussion and enjoy. "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller can lead to some interesting discussions and topics, as you can tell from the title of chapter 6.
Miller in this chapter continues to talk about the draw of humanity to darkness, not the "light". Talking about human nature and its self centered focus, Miller concludes by saying that if we try to be a "good" person without God, basically we are destined to fail. Our nature draws us back to our sinful past and present. So my first question is this, have you ever tried to be a "good" person without God? Did you succeed (or are you succeeding) or did you fail (or are you failing)?
Miller also talks about his initial conversion experience of salvation and how everything shortly after had a "fascinating appeal"? Would you describe your initial salvation experience and the time shortly after the same way? Miller later says he was disappointed when these feelings went away? Take a moment and share an experience when that initial "faith rush" started to waver and how it felt to you.
Quoting from Miller, "I don't think, however, there are many people who can stay happy for long periods of time." What do you think about this quote? Are you or do you know someone who always seems to be happy? What is the secret (or is there one)?
After sharing stories from his youth, Miller makes the quote about freedom and need, "I think the things we want most in life, the things we think will set us free, are not the things we need." What do you think?
Miller concludes this chapter by saying "I found myself trying to love the right things without God's help, and it was impossible." This reminds me of one of my favorite passages in the Bible:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." - Proverbs 3:5-8
I look forward to the discussion...
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3 comments:
Human nature is self centered- in a way. When I was a baby and a small child I only saw the world as a thing to supply my needs. I didn't understnad a bigger picture, I did not understand anything other then give me what I need, and give me what I want. I never grew up. Until I became a Christian. I started to go to church, and in my heart I loved Jesus and I believed in Jesus. I wanted eternal life in heaven. But I was not willing to live by God's will. I was still a christian, but I did not want to give up the control I thought I had. 5 months ago was when I had a change in my heart that I wanted to live for God. I pray and read my Bible every night now. The only change I can ever experience is through God. I absolutely cannot change myself, my habits,or my life without God. He is the one that can deliver me from what I struggle with, in His time. That is very hard to accept, for me. I have tried to change without God and it has never worked for me. It was only when I truly wanted to live for His pleasure that I was "set free." SR
I think the best answer for me to David's first question is - Yes, I have tried several times to be a good person without God. I think that pretty much says how successful I have been. I think it part it goes to kind of the whole point of the Sexy Carrot story in Miller's book. "Sometimes the things we want most in our life are the things that will kill us." I think there are a lot of things that we could easily see that being true for: drugs, money, power, etc. However, I think it is also true when what we want most in our life is to be a good person. The more we want it, the more frustrated that we never seem to achieve it. It becomes the impossible task because, in many ways, it is. The call of Christ has never been to be a good person, it has been to be a disciple. "Give away all you have and come, follow me," were Christ's words. I don't think that is just about giving away material goods, I think it is also about giving away the things we most want to pursue the things Christ most wants. The times in my life when I have most tuned in to and lived by that concept are when I have most felt alive as a Christian and most clearly experienced both Christ's grace and power. I think that is part of the "good feeling" so many new believers talk about having, and I think the reason why we often lose it is because we start losing focus. We start trying to just be a good person, even a good Christian, and we put ourselves before Christ. We start looking at our lives first rather than Christ.
In answer to the question about whether joy lasts-- No, I don't think it does. I think that's how we can distinguish truly happy times from other times. We've all come off of great highs like a mission trip, spiritual retreat, etc. where we come back feeling so on fire for God that we think it will surely last. And then in a week or so, the feeling has faded to a wonderful memory. But the memory will trigger something later that will lead to another euphoric time. I think some people try to appear happy all the time, but no one knows what is really in their hearts. I remember my dance group doing a ballet of Alice in Wonderland. Cindy played Alice. She had to smile every moment she was on stage. And why shouldn't she? She had the lead in the ballet! But Cindy would come off the stage, and as soon as she was out of sight of the audience, she would break down into tears while she changed costumes or touched up make up. Then she would float back onto the stage with her painted on smile. Joy takes work! It's tiring! I don't think anyone can truly keep it up all the time. After all, what is true joy without sorrow, pain, anger, boredom, etc. to compare it to? I think the real goal we seek is an inner peace that no matter what our mood or situation, we will persevere because we have God on our side.
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