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I believe that we must not forget a crucial part of conservatism that is often overlooked: the “Belief in a transcendent order, or body of natural law, which rules society as well as conscience.” It seems many conservatives have given up fighting for a spiritual perspective that recognizes Providence’s place in the world. I think we should, at times, attempt to elevate debate to a higher level because “political problems, at bottom, are religious and moral problems.”
This is the same fight Edmund Burke embraced 200 years ago. Radicalism at the end of the 18th century argued that “if there is divine authority in the universe, it differs sharply in its nature from the Christian idea of God…man naturally is benevolent, generous, healthy-souled, but in this age is corrupt by institutions.” Burke “conceded his enemies not one premise. He began and ended his campaign for the conservation of society upon the grand design of piety; in his reverent eyes, the whole of earthily reality was an expression of a moral order.” Do we need to focus on “legislating morality”(whatever that means)? Probably not. However, neglecting the fight for Christian principles is an invitation, that the left will not decline, to legislate immorality. It is time for conservatives to humbly defend an eternal perspective that is increasingly unpopular in our world of radical change.
It is often overlooked and rarely understood that the God of Christianity is a relational God. He IS a relationship in and of himself; He exists as a trinity in perfect, holy, glorious relation with himself. What is even more incredible is he invites us, mere humans, to share in the joy of this relationship.
God is not like a famous, professional athlete who can only be approached by a few, close friends of the athlete. Even saying that we can place athletes on a pedestal so that they become “idols” shows how little we understand God as a relational being. God does not want to replace that athlete on a pedestal as your sole idol; God is in a completely different league altogether. God wants to be closer than a brother with His people. Understanding this should radically change the way we view our relationship with God and others.
My dog died today. Now, this is very sad, but it also gives me an opportunity to reflect on the many memories and stories that I shared with my dog. She had a very good, spoiled life. Most of this was due to my grandparents. Whenever my grandparents visited the house, Sandy knew she would be well-fed with human food for the rest of the day. This probably did not help her health, but who is going to stop grandparents from spoiling?
My dog was more than just a good friend; she inspired many God glorifying thoughts that humbled my soul. The Bible often refers to humans as sheep and then, in turn, describes God with human characteristics fulfilling the role as our shepherd.
My dog was very smart, but she could not reason and have genuine conversations with me (but she was a great listener). She simply could not think on my level. No matter how hard she tried she could never understand completely or relate to us on a level that placed her equal with us. She could never ask, “Why do I have to sit in order to get this piece of leftover pork?” She could not always understand me, but she trusted me.
This always reminded me to remain humble before my God. We are never going to have the all-knowing sovereignty of our perfect God. We will never be able to communicate with him on a level that leaves him impressed at our abilities. So what can we do to bring glory to this deserving creator?
God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.
Whenever we place our trust in Him, listen to His words, and obey His commands it reflects the love and trust we have in his grace. However, we often strut around like prize winning dogs trying to impress the rest of the world. In reality, all of the glory should be reflected back to our owner who saved us from a life of sin and trains us in the ways of righteousness. What a humble honor to glorify God.
If you would like to see a gallery of my dog, please click below:
