There is a gap that exists between you and the Universe. You’re small and finite and minimal in comparison to the rest of humanity and the existence of all things. You’re dust (Genesis 2v7).
There is no gap that exists between you and the Universe. God is nearer than the breath in your lungs. You have a spirit that’s been breathed into you for no other reason than that you matter. You are caught up in the inextricable beauty of the Cosmos that holds all things together (Colossians 1v17).
Duality
Our minds naturally want to gravitate toward an either/or binary way of thinking when it comes to complex philosophical ideas. As modern humans, we tend to be limited in our abilities to see the connection between multiple, seemingly opposite, realities co-existing in harmony. We create all sorts of systems that are built to compare and contrast in mutually exclusive ways rather than include and nuance. However, to understand the deeper realities of the human experience (including contemplating your own life in relationship to God and others) requires that we transcend dualistic thinking and opt for non-dual, transrational awareness.
Facts and spreadsheets and raw data can only take you so far. Dividing and splicing and science and lists can only accomplish a limited amount. True knowing requires holding two realities close simultaneously and responding in wonder and awe. This is true of the Trinity, the incarnation of Jesus, and of our own lives.
Together
We are finite and small and limited and deeply flawed and have rejected so much that is so good for us.
We are infinite and beautiful and possess wonderful potential and are deeply loved and have been gifted Life.
We are not so important that the world is to be consumed and interrupted with our every need. However, we are centrally located in a Story that places great emphasis on the importance and dignity and value of your life.
There is so much justice and peace and love and care that the world needs.
Yet, at the same time, you exist to bring all of this into a broken and divided world.
There are a million things you cannot do… the work to be done, the gap to be closed…poverty, homelessness, sexual assault, domestic violence, racism, war, and oppression… it is wide and difficult burden to bear. It seems to vast.
Yet, right now, there is something so close that’s right in front of you which presents itself as an opportunity to do good and participate in the Kingdom of Christ. This very day holds potential for a reclaimed you and a reclaimed world.
The Christ has come to show us how to do this. The Christ that seemed so far from you has come near and given us justice and peace and redemption that we might do the same in becoming the body of Christ to do the work of the Christ.
He puts things back in order so that we might re-order the dysfunctional and anti-Kingdom parts of the world. He has resisted evil that we might be shown how to resist our own evil in this world. He has forgiven that we might show forgiveness to every single person we encounter.
You are broken. dust. lost. barely hanging on by a thread.
You are complete. made of the Universe. found. able to do more than thought possible.
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