“We take constants for granted. And that is a problem with God, if I may say it that way. God is the ultimate constant. He is unconditionally loving. He is omnipotently powerful. And He is eternally faithful. God is so good at what He does that we tend to take Him for granted.”- Mark Batterson (emphasis author’s)
“Honor the LORD, you heavenly beings; honor the LORD for his glory and strength.”- Psalm 29:1 (NLT)
In Chapter 3 (“Dictatorship of the Ordinary: Coming Out of the Cage of Routine”) of Wild Goose Chase, Mark Batterson notes an ironic aspect of our faith. It seems that we find it hard to believe God for the little things. Yet, we take the big stuff for granted. Certainly, Pastor Batterson exhorts, if God keeps the planets in orbit, surely He’s able to reorder your life when it spins out of control.
Consequently, English writer, philosopher, and lay theologian G. K. Chesterton once talked about how we take constants for granted:
“Grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. Is it possible God says every morning, ‘Do it again’ to the sun; and every evening, ‘Do it again’ to the moon? The repetition in nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore.”
Finally, Mark observes, God wires our minds in such a way that we become intensely aware of new stimuli introduced into our environment. However, over time we adapt to these novel sights, sounds, and smells. As a result, our awareness fades and those constants become invisible. Psychologists refer to this process as inattentional blindness. Hence, the author explains:
“What happens is this: the sacred becomes routine. And w not only forfeit spiritual adventure but we also start losing the joy of our salvation. Chasing the Wild Goose is the way to get it back. But that means coming out of the cage of the routine. . . . And if we do, we will find ourselves coming alive again.”
Today’s question: What aspects of your faith do you tend to take for granted? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Thin places – heaven and earth seem to touch”
