Boimler: When I first arrived, I brought expectations of each of you from the future. And not only was that dangerous, it denied the reality of who you are right now. So, I’d like to apologize to you all with a limerick.
Star Trek Strange New Worlds Those old Scientists 2023
A little theology theory today.
There are two things that I have been all my life.
One is a Catholic. At various times I’ve been a better Catholic than at other times but I’ve been consistently Catholic all my life and my study of history, the various Protestant sects and my own lived experience has convinced me of the truth of the faith beyond any doubt.
The second is completely fascinated with human beings. I find ordinary people incredibly interesting. Even the most seemingly dull person has lived a life full of twists and turns that has shaped them for good or ill and simply observing people in their daily lives can give you a real appreciation of what a gift life is. That’s what makes history so interesting to me.
And it’s what we do with that life that makes all the difference.
Applying these observations to Christianity, particularly in the study of history I’ve developed a theory concerning the difference between a good Christian and the great saints. The clue to this is from one of the most standard representatives of Christ and of a Bishop is that of a Shephard who protects his sheep. As Christ himself says:
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:11-15
Most good Christians are content to be the sheep. They do their best to follow Christ and take correction when they start to go astray. They enjoy the protection of God. This varies from the avoidance of some of the things that the world throws at them to the ability to cope with what can’t be avoided. (old age, death etc) It is often those things that get us over the hump to where we need to be.
Some Christians however aspire to be more, they aspire to be Sheepdogs, who help the shepherd protect the rest of the flock. They are the ones who eschew the protection that God offers to the sheep and instead take up the sufferings and crosses to help keep the sheep safe. This is what is known as “redemptive suffering”. To use a less ancient example they are the people who ride shotgun and thus risk and endure the bullets and arrows of the world to keep their passengers safe. They also see their own faults more clearly which is why the holiest of people tend to confess more because they see themselves in the light of God’s truth.
Most are not cut out to be sheepdogs, as James says in his letter:
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you realize that we will be judged more strictly,
James 3:1
Some rise to this occasion and some do not. Those who don’t flee when the world applies pressure. Those are the hired help, that Christ tells of. Those who take position for the sake of position rather than to serve the people of God. James again:
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
James 3:13-18
There is nothing wrong with being content to be shepherded by Christ and those in the church who has been designated for this work. If you aspire to more, that’s fine but be ready to leave the security of the flock and face the fangs of the wolves out to devour it. You will have to endure the world as it is and if you do so at the call of Christ you will achieve greatness. If you do so at the call of power and position you will not. I’ll give Jesus the last word on it:
Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
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