Fellowship

So now we have a little problem.

The truth simply is.

Our experience can be a lie.

So what do we do in our search for truth and God?

First let me paraphrase one of my favorites, Mr. CS Lewis. This will set the foundation, and then next time we'll talk about the living Word of God.

In Mere Christianity Mr. Lewis describes the differences between the study of God (theology) and all other -ologies. If one wants to study geology, he can go out and get a rock. The rock does not flee. He can take the rock and crack it open, look at it under a microscope and record the experiences (observations).

If one wants to study biology, he can go and catch an animal. The animal may flee, but can be trapped or killed. Then the animal can be dissected and examined under a microscope and record the observations.

If one wants to study people, as in psychology or something similar, one has to find a person willing to participate. One has to ask about the experiences and trust that any of the many variances or problems that could alter the perceptions of the observation is not in the way of an accurate recording.

But to study God, God has to be in complete control. There is no microscope or telescope we can use to study God without His revealing Himself to us. In the measure He see fit, and on His timetable.

Good thing He promised us He would reveal Himself if sought.

Now I am going to maintain that one of the ways He does this is through other people. Having a true personal connection with another human being is NOT the same thing as our experiences that can lie to us. Seeing ourselves, and God, and His creations through another persons eyes, and sharing with them creates a situation that is greater than the sum of its parts.

This is called fellowship.

And God promised us that if two or more get together and He was in their midst.

A loss of fellowship is a frightening thing. I've seen it completely destroy a person's spiritual life. Someone I truly loved and cared about. More than one someone.

CS Lewis talks about when JRR Tolkein died how he lost the fellowship he had with the man. How he would never again have his insights into the nature of God.

I believe that God brings people into our lives for a reason. And that I might have lost out on something by not being open and kind to any one of the persons I bump into on the bus on a daily basis.

Like anything else, its us that limits God.

We seem to be programmed to keep trying to put Him in a box.