“Though understood and promoted as an instrument of liberation, convenience has a dark side. With its promise of smooth, effortless efficiency, it threatens to erase the sort of struggles and challenges that help give meaning to life.”- Tim Wu, Columbia law professor
“No, we technically are not bound by the Sabbath day. But perhaps a better way to look at Sabbath is to view it as a chance to be heaven to someone.”- one of Tim’s seminary professors
Timothy Willard concludes Chapter 12 of The Beauty Chasers with a definition of truth. The author defines truth as that which affirms and corresponds to reality. Consequently, Timothy observes, we risk losing our grasp of truth when we fail to relinquish the pace keeping us from seeing the particulars of reality.
Because we develop lazy eyes when we’re bombarded with distraction and numbed by convenience. Also, distraction and convenience work in tandem. And, rather than do something themselves, people prefer to pay for convenience.
Yet, the author notes, as children we learn to see the world like an artist. However, we fail to realize it. Hence, we derive meaning from our world through curiosity, learning, and longing. God hardwired this into our human nature. So, to remain Beauty Chasers, we need to go marveling.
In conclusion, Timothy underscores, our footpath leads to regaining our true sight: rest. Thus, the author explains:
“Visual sight accompanies spiritual sight. And Sabbath lives at the heart of both. . . . God himself describes rest as a place — his place, which you enter. . . . Without celebration and worship, our work becomes inhuman. The do-nothing or numb-your-mind mentality associated with rest is a lie of the modern world. Rest restores. But not because it includes idleness. Instead, rest restores because it includes so much motion! The motion of a mind awake. . . . Days of rest are days filled with beauty-drops from God as we explore and contemplate his world — and with getting rest for our souls.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses keep you from the dark side of convenience? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Landscapes – vast library of literature”
