Faith
A REALITY CHECK
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My father insisted that I was insatiably curious. On one occasion, he cautioned a stranger not to be offended by my questions. It had not occurred to me previous to that time that I might differ significantly from some others in that regard.
We lived in a house across the road from my father’s general store. I assumed that the previous owner had built the residence, or hired someone else to do so. I did not consider the possibility it might have evolved on its own.
We were one of the few families in the village who owned an automobile. Had someone attempted to account for this as resulting from wind gusting through the town dump, I would have thought he was trying to be humorous. Some claims simply do not appear to be plausible.
Meanwhile, I was greatly impressed with the vast nature of the universe, and its complexity. Perhaps it had evolved on its own, but that seemed unlikely to me. Since it appeared to be the result of a creative initiative, much more than our house or vehicle.
Was I absolutely convinced? No. There might be factors involved that I was not aware of. Consequently, I qualified for what J. Edwin Orr refers to as a protheist. That is, I thought it more likely that there was a God than not. Whereas the atheist option did not appeal to me, for it seemed that one would have to have comprehensive knowledge to know that God does not exist.
Fast forward. I left for military service during World War II, the day after my 18th birthday. I was like many of my generation more of a realist than an idealist. For instance, I do not recall anyone who speculated as to whether this might be the war to end all wars. Instead, we felt a corporate responsibility, and were determined to carry through our task.
Although I seldom attended church during my youth, I went to chapel service on occasion. In one instance, the chaplain became very emotional for some reason unknown to me. Accordingly, I concluded that he had lost control.
However, as I left the sanctuary that morning it occurred to me that if there is a God, he would be a strange entity, and might use usual means to get our attention. Whereupon, I decided to return the following Sunday, and should the chaplain behave in a similar manner, I would inquire of him his intent.
So it came to pass that I made my way back to the chapel. The service was nearing its close, and the preacher appeared calm. Just then he urged persons to come forward to receive Jesus. "That was not part of my bargain," I confirmed to myself. Instead, I waited until folk had taken their leave, before approaching the chaplain. "I think I would like to take you up on your proposition," I informed him. He was for the moment at a loss as to my meaning, but then brought me into his office—where he attempted to explain the nature of the gospel.
Most of what he said quite escaped me, except for Jesus’ promise that he would not drive away anyone who came to him (cf. John 6:37). "If you can’t trust Jesus," I reasoned to myself, "who can you trust?" So it was that I decided to follow Jesus, and in this regard into community and service.
What more specifically might be involved? As a youth, I had thought that if there was a God he would likely have some task from me to perform. The thought of being a missionary came to mind, especially concerning Africa. Even though my impression of Africa was conditioned by the popular account of Tarzan and the apes. This turned out to be only one aspect of the varied ministry I would be engaged in over the years.
Upon return from my assignment, seventeen Nigerian students followed me to Wheaton College, where I was engaged in teaching. At that time, it was the greatest number of international students from one overseas institution to enroll. One of them confided in me, "When I think of you, it is not as an American but Nigerian." I was pleased with his assessment.
All things considered, I am reminded of the refrain, "The God on the Mountain is the God in the Valley." That is, the God in good times is faithful as well in difficult times. Thus youthful reflections merge with later developments.
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