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Christianity Today, July, 2007 |

Foolish Things

Stumbling After Jesus

The Christian life was never meant to be a cakewalk.

Stan Guthrie | posted 7/10/2007 09:06AM

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Yet we continue to shrink from disability. Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert has been battling cancer in his right jaw, along with advice from friends who say he should not attend his own film festival because of the way people would react to his gauze neck bandage and drooping jaw. Ebert will have none of it, noting, "We spend too much time hiding illness."

No, disability is not good in itself. Jesus never celebrated affliction (though he did tell us to rejoice when we suffer persecution for being his disciples). Defeating the ugly shadows of life with the light of his coming kingdom, Jesus healed the lame, gave sight to the blind, and preached Good News to the poor. As Christians seek to be like him, we must not abhor those who suffer nor fear the trials that inevitably come our way. They are, to borrow an old phrase, means of grace.

Only through suffering, disappointment, and death—and the rude remarks of children—are we weaned from the love of this world. There's more to life than happiness.

Related Elsewhere:

Stan Guthrie's other columns are available on our site.

Don't Cede the High Ground | Our abortion views don't rest on sociological data. (April 25, 2007)

Living with the Darwin Fish | Why the discovery of yet another 'missing link' doesn't destroy my faith. (March 13, 2007)

The Scandal of Forgiveness | Want to shock your neighbors? Try forgiving them. (December 28, 2006)

Worth Protecting | It's hard to see the humanity of tiny embryos if we live by blind faith. (November 9, 2006)

Sit Down, Sit Down for Jesus? | Contrary to rumor, the culture wars aren't over. Nor should they be. (September 1, 2006)

Guthrie keeps a blog at StanGuthrie.com.

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July 2007, Vol. 51, No. 7

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Shelly Weiss

Posted: July 23, 2007 3:42 PM


Excellent perspective! Who would we be without our afflictions? Each day, I am reminded how much I rely on Him. Your son is developing an intimate perspective of his Heavenly Father through the actions of his earthly father. Thank you for glorifyingGod through your so-called 'weaknesses'.

Karen

Posted: July 16, 2007 7:06 PM


Thank you for your sharing. I have MS and use a scooter for walking. I have a five year old. I thank God daily for the example we can be in the world. My son has not yet been ridiculed but, he is starting kindergarten in the fall. I thank you for the example of your son.

Chris

Posted: July 15, 2007 7:59 AM

A remember hearing a preacher once say during a sermon, "You know, the pursuit of happiness is not bibilcal." Initially, I stumbed over that, but upon reflection I think it's true. Guthrie has his the proverbial nail on the head with this article. I would only add that it is sometimes helpful to remember that joy and happiness are two separate things. Happiness is an emotional response based on circumstance. Joy comes from Christ, and it can sustain through even the worst times of our lives.

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