Finite NATION

finite
(adjective) fi·​nite  \ ˈfī-ˌnīt \  :  1. can be measured or given value
2. having a limited nature or existence

nation
(noun) na·​tion  /ˈnāSH(ə)n/  :  a large body of people united by 

common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a 

particular country or territory



"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." - Paul



Finite People

“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” - Jesus 

This Finite Nation I talk about is the church that Jesus Christ established. The kingdom of God does not have boundaries.  It's not India.  It's not America.  It's us, the followers of Jesus.  It's all of us, here and now, as well as those who have gone on before us and who will come after us. Our God is infinite, yet we are finite - mere humans striving to understand the mysteries of an all-powerful, all-knowing, omnipresent God. We're not only finite in the sense that we will never fully know and understand everything of this world, but we're also finite in the sense that we have a beginning, are on this earth for a limited time, and have a distinct purpose while we're here. We may be eternal, but we are not infinite. God, in His amazing wisdom, gave us a world that allows each individual free will and choice, setting up an infinite amount of possibilities and scenarios in this ever-changing complex world. We, of course, are limited by our location, abilities, opportunities, opposition, and personal drive. We must humbly look to our Creator for guidance and submit to our limitations.

My original intent with this blog was to create a platform where Christians can come and discuss controversial and complex topics - knowing that only God has the answers, and we can only strive to understand as best we can. Many in the church feel that they have a monopoly on Truth in all matters, and use this confidence to manipulate and abuse others. I'm not sure how any honest person can be so certain in their beliefs that they will refuse to even listen to any countering views. Not that our faith should waver or falter. Instead, our faith hangs onto the promises of God, His deep love, and the abundant life His Spirit creates. We are never asked to understand it all. In fact, Paul states this by quoting the Old Testament:

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
'Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?'
'Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?'
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen"

But this doesn't relieve or excuse us from searching for wisdom and Truth. In fact, it should be a life long pursuit, with the desire to strengthen your relationship with God and fellow humans.



A Great Mystery

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - Paul

Paul talks a lot about a great mystery that has been revealed. This mystery all points to Jesus Christ - His life, death, resurrection, and reign. So, this may seem to contradict my main premise that we're finite in our knowledge and will never fully understand God's mystery. Well, you're right, sort of. I agree that Jesus simplifies and personifies all the spiritual complexity and mysteries of God the Creator. He is God in human form. The foundation of this whole thing (why we're here and who God is), in my opinion, is relationships. Jesus came to restore our relationship with God and with each other. God created us out of love, lost us to sin, and bought us back with His son's own blood. Why? So we can have a relationship with Him and live with Him for eternity.

Now, if relationships are the focus, instead of mere knowledge, then I am even further lacking and limited. I've never been too great at creating and maintaining close relationships. I suck at it, really. God, on the other hand, is perfect and tireless at relationships. He is constantly searching for us, and when we show His love, we can truly see the difference it makes in this world. Yet, when I look at our goal of restoring relationships, I feel incredibly finite.



A United Nation

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Paul

Though our lives are limited by our finite nature, we have an infinite God who desires a relationship with us and showed us a love that is truly radical and universal. As a nation, we have one leader, one king, one purpose. In a way, we've been limited in our focus, by God Himself. I care about politics, education, culture, and all the forces that influence our lives, yet there is only one thing that should supersede all these things - Jesus and His love! That self-sacrificing love that saved our souls, changed the world, and set us free is far more powerful than any other enterprise on this earth. Jesus told us to seek God's kingdom before all things, and those things will be added.

We are not a weak nation! The only things limiting us is our own weak flesh. As a movement, we are unstoppable, because we have God on our side! We have the power to truly change the world. Jesus told His disciples that with even just a little faith nothing is impossible, even moving mountains. Now, this requires pro-active, self-sacrificing, all-in commitment to give freely, serve tirelessly, and die willingly. It's not an easy journey. It's not a comfortable life. We must love to lose. But in those loses, we will find the true power of knowing, and being loved by, our Creator, through His son Jesus.



My Vision

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." - Paul

As I've discovered before, nothing can substitute for real experiences. Life is far better lived than talked about. Yet, an open and honest conversation can be such a profound and refreshing learning experience. As a teacher, I believe strongly in the power of collaboration and influence. I pray that I can give my students the skills to think thoughtfully and critically, work productively with diverse neighbors, and persist during opposition. We need each other for strength and support. I pray that if we can unite on one thing, it can be the self-sacrificing love of Jesus. For me, it's the only absolute that exist. Choosing to love like Jesus is always an available option and the right thing to do. The "right" thing to do, is the thing that will restore or strengthen the relationship. This can be freeing, but it can also be scary because relationships are hard. Conversation can be hard. Admitting that we don't know everything and you may indeed be wrong can be extremely hard. But the power of love and unity can far surmount any obstacle we may face along our way.

I want this blog to become a safe place to share ideas, ask questions, and unite in love. I hope we can tackle some tough topics and get some clarity on complex issues. None of us have all the answers, and I see no value in "being right" just for the sake of being right. With humble discussion, we can build a relationship with God, Jesus, and each other, and that's something to get right.  This is a journey - one much better with traveling companions.

What topics would you like to discuss?  What does it mean for you to be finite?  If you want to join me on this journey, please comment, follow, and share.