Monday, May 10, 2010

Chill

I have often received comments regarding my ability to stay calm when other people would be panicking. There are several different ways in which calmness can come about. The most common way in our culture is to simply not care. This could be called the "so what?" phenomenon.

Bob: Dude, that kid's about to fall of the cliff...
Jim: So what?

Before you jump to any conclusions, let me say this. "So what" is not always bad. And it is one of the tools which I use frequently. For example...

Bob: The Seahawks just lost the superbowl!!!
Me: So what?

Mind you, "so what" as a phrase is often disrespectful, so you usually have to rephrase your statement. But the concept can be used correctly. But it is most often used improperly, resulting in a very bland society. For if one does not care about anything than he can not be cheerful.

But the above trick cannot give true peace. True peace can only be had when one trusts God completely. Without faith, "so what" can only give a sad and lonesome illusion of peace.

I don't remember the exact time, but I do remember that it was a point in time, a long time ago. When I decided that if I was going to trust God, I actually have to trust him with everything. This means that I cannot/shouldnot worry about anything. But rather, continue to labor in what is good, trusting that God will use my work for his glory.

@EthanS Chill, relax, and calm down. Believe it or not I was already most of the way done formulating this post in my mind when I saw your comment. (And yes, I was planning to post it tonight.) I've also got a few more ideas I want to post about.