THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK  

Yes, we are back from the farm, or as my youngest Sibling calls it the “Wilderness.” Cell reception there brings to mind that show “Green Acres” where they had to go outside and climb a telephone pole in order to use the phone. It’s not that bad, but you have to stand in the right spot facing the right direction and hope for a signal. Neighbors across the road tell me that they had to go out the second story window and sit on the roof to get a cell signal. Don’t tell Cheryl, but I didn’t want to come back to town! Enough about me. Here’s today’s observation:

In Science Class we were to ascertain an element by examining it. Observe it. Test it. Prove its properties. Record these observations and compare them with those made by others who likewise have examined the evidence to determine if it was real and define it. This required a “hands on” approach of interaction with the element. Sulfur has a distinct smell, color. It in no means can be confused with mica which flakes off, has a mirror metallic sheen. A sandstone rock is distinctly different from a volcanic rock.

In like manner, John recorded his interactions with Jesus in I John 1. He heard. He saw with his own eyes. And, he touched it with his own hands. The scientific method utilized. And, now he writes what was made manifest and proclaims it to us that we also may have fellowship with him and the Father and the Son. The all important “acid test”- sharing his findings with others who were likewise experiencing the same thing.

My perceptions may mislead me. Perceptions are built on personal history and the environment. If I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I might see things differently than if I woke up with vim and vigor. My perceptions will be tainted by the environment. When I was in the hospital, they gave me an impromptu eye examination. They asked me to read a notice on the wall. The problem was that it was dark and cloudy outside the windows, and the lights were turned down. I could barely distinguish the poster from the wall, there was so little contrast. Obviously, I failed. (It didn’t help that my double vision blurred the poster.) Environment may taint one’s perspective.

Likewise, my history may also change perceptions. One of my buddies at college was a “mouse”. He was short, frail looking and had a pinched face. My Mom warned me to avoid him. Yet, George (yes, that was his real name) was studious, meticulous and encouraging. I only wished that I had picked up some of his study habits. If I judged people on their appearance, I would have missed out on a lot. What I am trying to say is that we each carry around our personal baggage, and this tends to shade our perceptions.

So, as I read I John again there’s strength for me in knowing that the fellowship John and others tested has proven itself. I don’t have to rely on my perceptions. I don’t have to question. The reality has been made assured. I don’t have to take a “chance” of having this fellowship like winning a lottery or a drawing. I can have it as a reality. This gives me confidence in my daily walk. I can walk with my head held high. Not because of what I’ve done, but because of what He has done and who He is. I don’t have to be one of those who whose faith is based on “I feel.” My faith rests on solid rock which cannot be shaken. It rests on reality rather than perception.

Jack (9/04/19)