First let me say if you have no idea what I am talking about then first go read the first 2 chapters of Genesis paying particular attention to the way God is described in the two chapters. Allan on his blog poses a unique question that I am glad to see has sparked some discussion amongst those that know me.
I have seen a couple of different responses to this inquiry and one of them disturbed me a bit. I have snipped a section below to give you a taste if you don't have time to go read the full story, I'll pick up below the quote...
"The God of Genesis 1 doesn’t have to touch, or even see, anything. He’s distant from it. All of creation seems to take care of itself once he’s finished. He gives orders and commands. God blesses and provides for his creation and gives it what it needs. But it’s all very matter of fact and general.
Contrast that with the God of Genesis 2. That account shows us a God who forms man and breathes into his nostrils. He performs surgery on Adam and then sculpts Eve with his hands. In fact, he forms every animal and bird from the dust of the ground, not just man. He “plants” the garden. He “brought” man to the garden. He “brought” the animals to Adam. And he provided Eve out of concern for the man." - The Kingdom, The Kids, & The Cowboys » Blog Archive » The Two Gods of Creation
They both started out similarly, first a somewhat confused and then interested look followed with an inquiry into "whatever do you mean the 2 gods described in Genesis?" Then the difference really hit home. A fellow at my work thought that it was odd at first, and as we read through the accounts we were impressed by the simplicity of the two accounts and relief that they were indeed the same God. This was followed by a discussion I enjoyed about the Simplicity and depth that has been conveyed to us through the word of God. No fear, no doubts, just wonder at the plan God laid out so quickly in 2 short chapters to describe the unique divine nature of our God. (This is where I think Allan has hit the nail squarely on the head in his description)
The second however is one where the listener was put off and defensive almost immediately to the idea, and I almost thought they might be a bit offended I had approached the subject in the manner I did. Almost like it was being flip and demeaning to God. It is this strict "The bible says what it says, don't try to read to much into it" attitude that I wonder about. Is it wrong to pursue a greater understanding of the nuances God has preserved for us in his word? I don't think so, although I can understand a fear that one needs to be careful to make sure your efforts are holding true to the contextual intention of the message as it was conveyed.
At first I thought it was an age thing, but that isn't it because after beginning to think about this I have seen it from both sides of the age fence. I am no longer considered a spring chicken, though I am no where near pasturing age, I am pretty much a tweener right now I think. So if it isn't age what is it? My wife was once asked if she thought you had to be able to read Hebrew and Greek to get into Heaven, she was taken aback, but the persons point was he didn't think all that "interpreting" was necessary, just take the Word at it's word.
That isn't a bad thought if your truly aware of how the word was understood when it was originally given. I think this deeper understanding of God's will is part of the maturing process, the feeding on meat rather than milk. I am not accusing anyone of being worldly or immature but I am seeking a better definition of meat for my life. Growing spiritually in knowledge and actions I think is beginning that walk in Christianity, if your not walking/growing your sitting still waiting.
If you began the journey good for you, I don't try to place limits on what God's grace and mercy cover after you become a believer. But, I can't help thinking it is better to learn and grow than sit and wither. I know many of us fear the growth, what if I get to big for the pot I am planted in? Maybe you move to a bigger pot, or maybe you are taken completely out of the pot and are transplanted to a larger field.
In the end I liked Allan's view on God's 2 different sides being described in Genesis, I think it's good to stretch outside our own boundries. In my case it was somewhat like "why did you focus on that, I have looked that over and moved on, but wait, that is interesting..." When someone challenges you with a new idea, don't take it as truth immediately, take it in and compare it with the scripture. Does the statement ring true to the nature and descriptions given throughout the Bible along the subject. If the concept holds up then it is probably a sound view worth further study.
After that study you can decide for yourself what you think of the proposed idea. When your done with your research you've most likely jumped from being just a passive reader to an active reader growing deeper in your understanding of God's will.
My wife and I have been using the Weight Watchers system to lose weight since January, and I have to admit it has been successful despite my own actions. But yesterday my wife cried "Uncle", the meeting style support is just not her bag. So we are going off the reservation, embarking on it alone with just each other for support, or will we? Most of the folks in the group are friends, and we will see them at Church multiple times a week, so perhaps encouragement won't be a factor.
The e-tools provided by Weight Watchers although interesting have never been a real factor in adherence, more a tool supposed to help you see why what happened on the scales happened. But if that were the only way I knew what happened then I would be delusional. I was there, I know I ate the Arby's BLT and a Beef n chedder, and that's more than I should have. But I have a better attitude now toward making these incidents occur further apart than they used to. The old me paid little to no attention to the frequency of these binges. Now I am more thoughtful, I want to succeed and lose weight, so I actually think about what I'm ordering. I realize the only way to successfully lose weight is to exercise and watch the portions and type of foods I am eating.
So where am I at, we'll I am adjusting to my new scales from the Weight Watchers ones. Since they appear to be about 5 lbs. lighter than the WW ones I will subtract 5 lbs from my starting weight and call it good. As long as the numbers are decreasing thats a good thing, I didn't gain it all in a 6 month period, and I can't get rid of it in one 6 month period. But I might be able to do so in 4, so I will keep after it.
I pray my wife will also continue to be mindful, I want to grow old with her in a good way, where we can go do things and be comfortable and healthy. She is a tremendous gift from God and seeing my Dad go through a painful illness with my mother makes me appreciate the days I have with her now even more. Pray for us to be stronger and continue the walk toward a more godly healthy lifestyle, weight control and godliness that's another topic, I'll hit that one in the future.
Oh, and to date I believe I have lost somewhere around 57 lbs. I'll try and check in here weekly since I won't be doing so at the group, and I'll pocket the $80 I used to send to Weight Watchers.
