I was actually in bed, lights out, fan blowing and all was left were the snores (yes, I snore), but they weren’t coming. I was in deep contemplative thoughts about a post I had just read before bedtime at this Christian forum that I frequent. It was about (of course) current debates on the war in Iraq and the different spin people have on it. I stated my case and then had the pleasure (anything that challenges us to grow should be deemed a pleasure) to defend my positions. After awhile though I noticed that this particular poster was simply ignoring the salient points and vigorously nit-picking different things I said and putting his own spin on them.

After a few posts of addressing each point, I simply said, I agree to disagree, and disengaged.

Here’s my point. In the world’s viewpoint we learn by adversity and challenge, that it is the same on a spiritual basis as well. This is what we are taught from when we first get here, until we leave. That in the course of human events, (no snickering there you history buffs — it’s a legit quote!) it is in facing the adversity, and overcoming it, that we grow. And on the surface this would seem not only logical, but a correct assumption as well.

However, I couldn’t sleep as I felt the Lord was pushing me to an understanding.

In Christ, and in our Christian walk, there shouldn’t be any adversity among God’s children. Like any family, (I’m not including the extremely dysfunctional ones — even if it does preclude a good portion of the world!) the way you grow is by loving, supporting, nurturing, encouraging, and helping your family members along the way as best as you can. It is in the overcoming of adversity that we truly grow as people, and deepen our faith as God’s kids. It is when we use that challenge in our lives to get closer to God, to build our trust in Him, that we find the treasure within the adversity, a stepping-stone to glory!

Imagine, if you will, a toddler, just beginning to walk, was constantly being tripped up by the parent, with the misplaced notion that the poor child would be stronger for it by facing the adversity and overcoming it. In this misguided parent’s mind, this newly introduced element would help the child walk faster, stronger and more readily because of the strength the child would gain from the challenge placed before it. Absurd! The challenge in and of itself, is what the child is overcoming. Within the challenge of walking, the child meets, and exceeds, the adversity it represents. That’s how it grows, not by the interference introduced by the parent to a natural process of life!

You could even describe it as a test. And life is all about tests!

In the same way, when we argue, instead of discuss, when we badger, instead of probe, when we call names (yes, you can curse someone out without ever uttering a swear word), instead of edifying and uplifting, we are attacking the family of God, and indirectly, the Lord himself. It is not healthy and it is not an expectation of our faith. Remember it was He, Jesus Christ, who said when you have done something for someone, clothed them, fed them and offered them help, you have done it to Him also. Conversely the same is true when you offer offense. He also said that offenses would come, and woe unto those who offered the offense.

So where is the adversity we are to meet—and overcome?!

Adversity is covered. It is called “The World”, and is one of the principle reasons we are not to be of it. It is the place of adversity, it is the place of the flesh, and it is the place of the enemy and being already in it, offers what we need to gain spiritual muscles. And indeed we gain strength in resisting the devil, who is in the world, and gain strength in our faith, and in our ability to overcome.

The earth is a school for God’s children.

In Romans it states clearly that the flesh is an enemy of God, and by definition, can not please Him, just read chapter 8. Why offer adversity, a portion of the world, to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Because when you do, you are placing a wedge, not only between you and them, but if they accept what you offer, a wedge between them and God. And it should not be so. Because when you love someone, it’s not what you do. Again life itself offers all the stepping-stones we need!

When we, in and of ourselves, do such things, we become part of the problem, part of the world, and part of the adversity, instead of the overcoming of such.

Love IS the basis of our faith, and it should tincture all of our interactions, with everyone, whether they walk with God or not. It should be the calling card of our faith. And like a truly loving parent, God doesn’t trip us up as we learn to walk, so we shouldn’t trip each other up either, love doesn’t do that. We should be like Jesus and love, walk in truth, walk in joy, and most of all, walk in peace. So two things here, adversity is our stepping-stone to glory, but we should only offer to one another, the healing balm of our love.

It’s the cornerstone of our faith.

Be blessed, be loved and be at peace.

~ Jonathan

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2 Comments

1. 

   Beverlee

   May 29, 2009 • 7:08 am

   
   
   

   Very good stuff. Yes there is treasure in adversity.
2. 

   mariwen

   April 18, 2009 • 12:07 am

   
   
   

   I really love this, very enlightening and good thoughts to ponder.

   I am learning………….much!

   Blessings.