Continuing on in Mere Christianity (disclosure), I had several passages highlighted. Thought-provoking things. When it came down to it though, I decided to stay with simple.
Common sense can be pretty profound.
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, page 50
In all our talk of evolving in society, of moving past moral certainties, of becoming a post-Christian nation–we forget that progress includes the idea of getting better.
If all truth being deemed relative is considered progress, how are our lives better? Those who boast about being free of the tyranny of ‘outdated’ notions of right and wrong and religious disciplines don’t know the same God I do.
How many lives have been saved? How many murders prevented? How many more homeless have been served? How many convicts rehabilitated? If we don’t need God and all His ‘rules’ –how have things gotten better?
The world continues to endure crimes, wars, famines, poverty, disease, and people are worse to one another than ever before. We’ve been able to change a lot attitudes and ideas about God and right and wrong, but I don’t feel we can call it progress.
People indulge their lusts; hurt others emotionally, physically, and mentally; they love money; they love themselves. Sounds like a Bible verse I once read (2 Timothy 3:1-5 breaks it down pretty accurately).
I’m not saying the Church has  always been right in everything by any stretch. The oppression and hardships caused have been heart-wrenching and disturbing. This doesn’t change, however, the reality of what Divine, eternal truth accomplishes. I’ve seen it firsthand.
I’m not saying I haven’t been able to change at all. I’ve been able to effect plenty of change in my life (and much of it very negative though I thought I knew better). But the true, most advantageous, longest-lasting progress has always been connected with trusting my God.
He is faithful and true. In Him, I find progress–the unfolding of His word brings light (Psalm 119:130).
Have you ever thought of progress like this? Would you add anything to my thoughts?
This is the part of our book club discussion on Chapter 2 of Mere Christianity (disclosure) by C.S. Lewis. We are taking a sentence, paragraph, or passage that inspires, encourages, or challenges and writing about it.  If you have a response on your blog, add it in the link widget below. Also head over to my friend and co-facilitator, Sarah Salter’s blog for another great take. Whether you’ve read the chapter or not, please share your thoughts! We always appreciate a vibrant conversation.
26 Comments
If all truth is relative, then there’s no such thing as “progress.” There’s no way to measure “improvement.” No objective way, anyway. That’s why in a postmodern, “all truth is relative” kind of world, the whole point becomes power and control.
Of course, people overlook the fact that “all truth is relative” is a pretty absolutist statement.
Good post, Jason.
Glynn recently posted..Its for the Good of the Children
Glynn, that is one of the best explanations I’ve heard.
It’s dizzying to think about! Thank you, Glynn.
“dizzying” is an understatement.
Ryan Tate recently posted..Mere Christianity- chapter 2
How about ‘a whirling cyclone of logical conundrums’ then?
I like the post and I like Glynn’s summary.
The sinful world and Satan want to draw us away from the Truth. Progress for them is actually a digress and regress away from the Absolute Truth of Jesus.
Dusty Rayburn recently posted..Absolute Truth and Morality
It’s displayed so prominently and so many can’t see it--even Christians. Lord, open our eyes… Thank you, Dusty.
Jason, GREAT post . . . so thought provoking, as usual. As I wrapped my mind around your words, I only heard the Spirit speak:
Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
(Luke 9:62 NIV)
As I have plowed for Christ in my life, I’m always tempted to look back . . . to judge the progress, or lack thereof, that I’ve made. What I’ve always found is disappointment. Even though I know otherwise . . . the progress that’s been made in and through my life is astronomical when it comes to being a follower of Christ. But, I’m not a good judge . . . wasn’t meant to be. I’m called to be a “servant,” or should I correctly say, through proper translation, a “slave” for Christ. A slave doesn’t focus on the “progress,” but on simply doing the Master’s work. So, I plow forward, realizing that in this journey with Christ, very seldom do slaves get a glimpse of the impact they have on the Kingdom. It wasn’t meant to be that way . . . we might get “puffed up.” We might allow ourselves to become complacent and we might relinquish some of our humble attitude. So, God instructs us to keep plowing forward . . . He will be the judge at harvest time. Our only job is to lift Him up . . . if we’re obedient to that . . . He will draw all men to Himself. (John 12:32)
Our faith is a journey with Christ . . . if He is in us, then He has told us we will do even greater works than He has done . . . if we’re judging our own progress, we’re judging His. (John 14:12)
It’s about allowing Him to live through us . . . that’s when progress is made. : )
Blessings!
Cherie
P.S. sorry this turned out a little longer that I thought. : O
Cherie Hill recently posted..Would You Miss It
No need to apologize! Thank you, Cherie. I am 100% with you that we are terrible judges of progress in our lives and we have to stay rooted and grounded in Him! Blessings to you.
Jason, I love how you took one sentence, and wrote about it. I quoted a whole paragraph, perhaps because I don’t have the same grasp on Lewis yet that you do.
It is very true that there can be no progress without God. Thank you for pointing that out.
Helen recently posted..Jesus the Good Shepherd
Nah, I’m just good at turning little things into bigger things (obviously that’s not always an asset).
I haven’t got to read yours yet, but I’m sure it’s fantastic. We’re just writing about what inspires us! Thanks so much, Helen.
I love how you incorporated the fact that progress implies things are supposed to get better. It’s something I know, but not something I’ve ever thought of when in discussion with people about this topic.
Great thoughts, Jason!
Jason Vana recently posted..God with Us
Well, you can thank Mr. Lewis! When I read it, it just smacked me between the eyes. So simple and true. Thanks Jason.
Better and higher indeed! There is so much here to chew on, thank you Jason!
HisFireFly recently posted..Tribute to barn cats
I appreciate the encouragement, Karin! Thank you.
By the way, glad to see that the link widget seems to be working for you now! Very cool.
The unfolding of His word brings light (Psalm 119:130) -- AMEN!! Great thoughts Jason, thank you.
Ryan Tate recently posted..Mere Christianity- chapter 2
Thank you, Ryan.
from my experience, when i have made a choice without listening to the truth of God, was something that looked good at the moment and i did not so much consider the long term. and when i listen to God, it is usually in a trust in something in the future…or something for the long term…or even eternity.
and i am not saying that just because i see this, does it make it easier to choose to listen and obey. not at all. the choices are still there, and it can still be a struggle.
the chapters are short in this book, yet, there is still so much to consider in those few pages.
there seems to be an endless supply of learning opportunities throughout a life time.
nance marie recently posted..some objections
I agree, Nance. So much is densely packed in there! As to you point, I know sometimes God’s leading and truth has seemed to be bizarre or counterproductive for the short term and makes me question, but I know that as I’ve obeyed He never fails to show how it fits in the long term and then eternity is just different level. Thanks so much for your thoughts--very much appreciated.
When I look at the big picture and see the world moving backwards, I get so discouraged that it freezes me in my tracks. The only thing I can control is myself. I have to choose to let Sarah progress. And then, maybe God can use me to help one or two others around me to progress. I’ve got to keep it that simple. (Though it’s really not that simple.)
It’s all by grace for sure! Thank you, Sarah.
I came here and don’t see my comment from earlier… WEIRD!
Anyway, I loved this post. I actually had highlighted that exact phrase on my nook and decided to do something different.
Want to lend my support to Glynn’s thought too.
-DS
There is a phantom comment lurking around these corridors then… Scary.
Thank you, DS. Much appreciated.
You all inspired me to pull out my old dusty copy of “Mere Christianity,” and I’m so grateful! I am still in the preface — since I began yesterday — but already I cannot stop reading passages out loud to my husband. I’m going to have to catch up so I can link up next Wednesday.
Melissa Brotherton recently posted..a well-placed period
Awesome! Glad to hear it, Melissa. Peer pressure finally paid off.