I had a conversation earlier this week with my dad about my mom. She is struggling with some immense pain and overall tiredness. In preparation to see her oncologist later next week, an MRI has been ordered to try to determine the cause of her ailments. So my dad asked my opinion if I think they should proceed with the MRI. Dad thinks mom won’t even be able to make it TO the MRI, much less lay (comfortably) on the machine for the procedure to be completed.
My response? “Do you really want to know?” Mom is one one of those patients that likes to know everything. She knows “the numbers” almost better than the doctors and her demeanor is often controlled by “the numbers”. If the numbers say she’s feeling well, well, then she’s feeling well! And if not…
So, is ignorance ok in this situation or is the truth better?
Seems I am guilty of the same thing.
I feel God’s urgings to reveal certain truths in my life and I am often quick to change the subject. Just like Dr. Archibald in “I Love My Lips” when Larry wants to talk about his nose, “Oh, look at the time!” I do the same with God. In many ways, my heart wants to live in ignorance. Truth isn’t necessarily difficult. However, Truth forces one to make a choice. How am I going to respond to that Truth? Choosing against Truth is sin, and sometimes, I’d rather just not know that I am sinning. I’d rather live in “frank world” where I can live by my own rules. Is that humanistic thinking?
We find some answers in John 8:31-36. Jesus talks to the Jews who had become his disciples:
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
So, of course, everyone has an answer to Jesus. They say (in a seemingly sarcastic tone):
“We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus, the ever cool, ever knowing and total speakers of Truth:
“I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Everyone who sins? Ok, that would be me. Makes even more sense the necessity of the sacrifice of the cross.
My next question, if we are called “children of God” and thus free, how then are we also “slaves to sin”? Does this mean that only those who believe can be called children of God? (Dumb question?) I suppose so. Something to ponder.
