Learning Our ABCs
Learning to Read the Language of Transformation
Welcome to article #2 in learning to read a message from God, written on the hearts of people who are being changed by the gospel. See 2 Corinthians 3.
Spoken languages are are based on sounds. We make sounds when our lungs push air through our vocal chords, and are shaped by the way we move our lips, tongues, teeth, palate, and uvula. Different languages focus on different sounds, out of all the possible sounds we could make. So we babble as a toddler and use “baby-talk” to try out the sounds we hear from other people. We learn in a pre-cognitive way the sounds we will speak as we grow.
Turning sound-based language into a reading and writing code requires us to devise a set of symbols that our eyes can recognize and translate into the sounds that we already are using. English uses alphabetical symbols—oddly shaped ink scratches. We use gestures with our hands, head movement, and other visual symbols, too. In 26 letters, we can represent almost every part of spoken English. (But watch out for silent letters, irregular pronunciation, and other ambushes.)
God’s written message on believers’ hearts
Instead of learning sounds, our spiritual language introduces us to pre-cognitive theological expressions. The alphabet for “born from above” little children would include assumptions about the way the world works and our place in it. We pick up attitudes that are changed by the gospel: values, what to like or hate or need, how to respond to God. These attitudes are part of the image of God in us and are incorporated in everything God wants to say to us.
Reading words requires making the connection between eyes and ears. Reading people requires making the connection between created people and the Creator.
Some sample ABCs to think about:
Humility
In our sinful condition, we make assumptions that we are the center of the universe and that everything revolves around us. Then the gospel tells us about the sacrifice of Christ—the just for the unjust—and we realize that God is the true center. We are set free from the weight of our own center of gravity, to be drawn by the pull of the one who loved us and gave himself for us.
Our own place in creation is enhanced by our ability to see ourselves in relation to Him.
When God writes his story on our hearts, he uses this “letter” a lot. We will hear phrases like “love one another” and “look out for the interests of others.” But it is even more basic than that. If we are self-absorbed and self-confident, we will try to please God by our limited human resources, instead of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Whole books have been written about the dangers of that mistake. Starting with Galatians and Romans.
Fear of God
Living in a damaged world, we quickly pick up the spine-tingling awareness that a lot of bad things could happen to us. We naturally worry and get scared, especially when people remind us of all that could go wrong. God knows this about the world (he lived here, too). His language relies heavily on an attitude of a healthy fear of God. In this wise approach to life, we don’t run away from God in fear, but we come close to him for protection from all other fears.
The Fear of the Lord gives a focus to everything, because we see ourselves as always living before him. This awareness gives us a reference point for our conscience in decisions we make, but also provides an “expert” guide from whom we can get direction, tips for success, and a real understanding of the path we take.
Repentance
Even in the joy of God’s forgiveness and acceptance, we know that we have missed the mark. That is not an insignificant problem. God’s alphabet includes an assumed attitude we will encounter on a daily basis. God’s specialty is not leniency regarding our sins. He is glorious in his grace instead, having provided for us what we could not do.
No matter how far away we stray from God’s righteousness, it is only one step back. The key idea of repentance, (purely by coincidence, I am sure) is also one of the favorite words in all spoken languages: Mom or Dad looks at the toddler, holds out open arms, and says, “Come!” God’s children totter as fast as they can, with big grins and squeals of delight, to fall into his loving embrace.
Faith
Faith and trust develop slowly. It must be that way. People have let us down. Our hopes and expectations have been mocked. If we think there is no one we can trust except ourselves, we also know trusting ourselves would be the biggest blunder.
At birth, we had a sense of being loved. Your mother almost certainly counted your fingers and toes and kissed each one. She looked directly into your eyes and made promises to you. You didn’t understand the language, but you got the message. Similarly with the Holy Spirit’s recommendation letter we find the one we can trust, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Trust comes when we know and are known. Love and security are based on a track-record of faithfulness. [Another of God’s specialties.] God has put within each of us a strong desire and longing to give ourselves without reservation to someone we know, love, and trust. Have you ever counted how many times the Bible says, “His steadfast love endures forever”?
I have a few more ABCs to mention, but will stop here for now. What attitudes and assumptions would you consider to be the elementary alphabet of reading the people you grow among?