I don't believe in fate. Fate is an "inevitable course of events." Some believe it is unalterable, and even the Greek gods had to accede to it. Christians then believe that fate is God's will. That God's plan is just something that will happen, and our response is just to accept it. It's fate!
So, if something comes our way, we think it must be of God. Most of us are truly seeking after God's will and so when things good and bad happen to us, or are placed before us we simply attribute this to God's will and accept it. But that's a dangerous understanding.
You've most likely heard the phrase, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Or as we like to shorten it today, when in Rome. We like this practice. We live this practice. (like trying out the cuisine and lifestyle of the places we visit.) And if those practices challenge our own normal behaviors or even our long held values, we might bend and say, "it must be of God."
Daniel and his friends were plucked from their comfortable lifestyle in Judah. They were faithful to God and their families, they were leaders with great potential, even Nebuchadnezzar saw that. And when their lives had changed because Jerusalem had been virtually destroyed by Babylon, they were given an opportunity to serve the enemy king, and with it all the perks of this kingdom. And through the story (you should finish the book of Daniel, it's not too long. It's just hard to understand since it's so much like revelation!) Daniel and his friends recognize God's hand in their predicament, not that God placed them there, rather that God would use them while there.
And they didn't back down from their deeply held beliefs.
They did serve the king. They did everything that was asked of them, except to compromise his faith and the lifestyle that went along with it. He was offered the best the kingdom had to offer, he stuck with his beliefs. When in Rome (Babylon), he still did as if home (Jerusalem). His address changed, but not his heart. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stuck to what they knew to be true and right living, even while in a foreign place. And God blessed them for it.
"But Daniel determined that he would not defile himself by eating the king's food or drinking his wine." (Daniel 1:8, The Message)
What seemed like fate, ended up being a test of wills. God's won out.
We compromise too often and too quickly. Just because "carrots" are held out in front of us doesn't mean we are supposed to follow them or take them. Even little compromises can draw us completely away from God. These "carrots" are probably not God's will, our circumstances are not fate, rather temptations and opportunities to test our resolve and our faith.
When in Rome, do like at home. Don't concede defeat or compromise your heart, or your faith.
Don't believe in fate.
Trust God and hang on to faith.
Peace ><>
pc
3 comments:
Compromising is easy....giving in to the "carrot" placed in front of us is easy, in fact, on the surface it might even seem like the best thing...to our advantage...but that advantage would only be short term. Realizing God's plan...the bigger picture would put that all in the proper perspective. Many times a "carrot" is placed before me...to test my faith, to test what is truly in my heart...at those times I pray to God to place His strength witin me...so that I don't compromise myself, my beliefs..to walk away from the "carrot" in order to hold on to my faith is what God is counting on me to do. I pray daily for God to give me the strength to stand tall in my faith, my convictions, my beliefs...to understand the greater plan of His, not my greater plan.
When in Rome...do as Home...I like that PC. I will always remember that! Thanks!
I agree with this to a degree, so long as it does not rule out "God's plan" as some call it. I don't believe in conformity unless it is temporary and in the service of the lord, such as Paul's ministry.
Paul did some tricky things and played people against one another, I don't know if I would have done the same, but we all have different ways of doing things and considering I'm going into politics I might start studying Paul more closely, who knows?
One thing I have a problem with is when people say this or that person was murdered, raped, molested, etc. and it was fate or God's will. The whole "everything happens for a reason" I dont buy into it. I haven't believed in that since i was a little kid. At least not in the form or logic humans see it as. I would say God is good at recycling his creation despite the evil we adopt and mass-produce.
I don't believe in fundamental signs such as all christians or all muslims must die because it is "God's Will". I am probably more of a mystic in this respect, because I believe in what God whispers to me or yells depending on how hard im avoiding him. but the voice I hear is never one of selfish or hateful nature, It transcends my own logic without breaking moral reasoning. It is generally something I:
1) don't feel like doing
2) Is a lot nicer of a thing than I would ever think of
3) don't feel like doing...
Regardless, it is personal, rational, and beautiful to experience and if that makes me a mystic, so be it.
Now, "God's Plan" is definitely a possibility. God's plan must be constant and infinite because he is GOD. Although God did not decide what we do or what we choose, to say God doesn't know is ridiculous. I am not a full-blown Calvinist, but we have to be somewhat reasonable. I think "God's Plan" would contain all reactions/actions and influences that take place after a bad choice/event or evil choice/event has occurred.
Conformity to other religions, beliefs, or to our very own society is wrong. It would almost seem that "when in Rome..." Do nothing the Romans do... Fate is what we make of it, it may or may not be written in the stars, but I know humans cant read it even if it is. If fate is "God's Plan" then I believe in Fate, but to resign our hopes and beliefs into something of our own acquital, our own lack of trust in something greater than ourselves, that is simply weak.
Severaln things struck me in today's scripture reading. However the one thing that stuck out to me most was the fact that Daniel was not alone during this time. Not only did he keep his faith in God, he also was with 3 others who had the same beliefs and faith.
I am reminded by this how very important it is to surround yourself with those who hold the same beliefs and faith. When we do this, it is much easier to with stand the tempations that come our way.
Scripture tells us, "a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken." When we keep God at the center of our lives and then suround ourselves with Godly friends, we will not be broken easily! And if we do start to "fray" a bit, we have those dear friends to help "hold us together."
Post a Comment