Yes, I was in prison yesterday. In fact, I've gone to prison every Thursday morning for the last so many years. More than five, less than ten. Let's say 7 1/2. I rarely go in with any sort of agenda, except to be in relationship with a group of guys that elect to show up under the pretense of "religious visit." Actually, there's not much pretense about it. I bring my Bible and sometimes open it.
We talk about everything from politics to sex. We also talk about what it really means to have faith while living in the real world, and how it's not just some kind of legalistic set of rules and regs. It's usually a quite stirring discussion. Our group maintains a high dose of cynicism, mixed with wonderment. I think that's why I like Thursday mornings so much. Yesterday, though, I wanted to read Romans 8. Pretty cool stuff about the human condition, er..MY human condition. Somethings that I don't want to do, I find myself doing. And other things I want to do, I don't do. What's my problem?
Well, it turns out my problem is not too far off from what everyone around the table deals with as well. This duality of the wills, a divided heart, the good and the bad, the ying and the yang. Not too uncommon. My question then was, "How then do I keep from going completely crazy?" Without any pause, one of the guys (who's been in longer than I've been going, and doesn't know yet when he's going home) spoke up: "Gratitude." Whoa. His simple profundity nailed me to the chair.
I try so hard to figure it all out. I'm certain that if I can just get this or that question answered, or if I can just get my behavior or thoughts "good" enough, THEN I'll really have it good. It's as if I'm looking for a faith without unanswered questions. Or that I'm looking for a religion that is about me being good enough to earn the good stuff. As it is now, I have to rest knowing that my faith only has validity with unanswered questions. AND that my thoughts or behavior will never be good enough, and they don't have to be. That takes a load off my legalistic shoulders. All I need to do is be grateful. Grateful for all I have and all that's been done for me. Pretty simple.
As you can imagine, I look forward to next Thursday morning.
2 comments:
Admirable pass-time, my friend. And a striking piece, view. Thanks.
Oh, and "hi," and also "stumbled 'cross ya" and "hope that's okay" and "let me know if it's not." Take care.
Mark,
My father spent many years visiting the local prison in hopes of helping those with no hope. He was faithful in this work and other similar work right up to his death last year (88).
It's good to see that there are still people who believe what James said. - James 2:18, 26
We share more than something personal, you and I.
I, too, am a "preacher of righteousness." 2 Peter 2:5
I have been a minister for 30 years and I have found that there are no answers to questions of faith and belief except in the Bible. In fact, as Paul said to Timothy "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight..."
So it is that we can rely on the Bible for these answers:
What is God's name?
What happens when we die?
What is the meaning of life?
These questions have been asked by SO many people (even those claiming to be scholars of the Bible) and yet the answers, plain and simple, are in the Bible!
So remember to use your Bible at every opportunity and let me know if you want answers to any of the questions you might have.
Mark Smeby
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