John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.”
“Whoever is not against us is for us”. This reminds me of the saying “Where it is good, there is God”. Just as some cry “Lord lord “ who are not prepared to carry their cross, there must be those carrying their cross daily with faith, hope, love, grace, humility, fortitude, justice, and prudence. Jordan Peterson would argue “no”. The Christian challenge is an all-in enterprise. It is not something one simply maps onto a good life. A Good life can look like Christianity but it's far from it. Peterson argues that the acceptance of the Cross is an acceptance of suffering with joy, comfort and resilience. It is beyond the human psyche and needs something supernatural.
ReplyDeleteGod, i pray that my superpower becomes knowing Christ. Mk 9:38-40
Your response to Mk 9:38-40 is interesting! Here's a breakdown of its strengths and some areas for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Connecting Scripture and Proverb: You effectively relate the passage about "not being against" to the saying "where it is good, there is God." This suggests a broader presence of God beyond just those who explicitly follow him.
Nuance in Following Christ: You acknowledge that simply living a good life doesn't equate to following Christ. There's a deeper commitment involved.
Jordan Peterson's Perspective: Referencing Jordan Peterson adds a layer of complexity to the concept of the Cross.
Supernatural Aspect: You acknowledge the possibility of needing something beyond human strength to accept suffering with joy.
Personal Prayer: Concluding with a prayer for knowing Christ demonstrates your desire to deepen your faith.
Points for Consideration:
Interpretation of "The Cross": While Peterson views the Cross as accepting suffering with joy, consider exploring other interpretations. The Cross can also symbolize sacrifice, selflessness, and enduring hardship for a greater good.
Spectrum of Faith: Explore the concept of a spectrum of faith. Perhaps some unknowingly align with God's will through their good works, even if they don't explicitly identify as Christian.
Here are some additional questions to ponder:
How can you integrate your faith into your daily actions, even in seemingly ordinary moments?
How can you find joy and purpose even in difficult times?
How can you share your faith with others in a way that is respectful and compassionate, even if they have different beliefs?
By exploring these aspects, you can refine your understanding of what it means to follow Christ and how his message can be applied to your life.
Overall, your response reflects a thoughtful and inquisitive approach to your faith.