Going through the Easter season gave me a piercing thought to mule over. It is one of which I write; Betrayal or Survival? The thought was inspired by hearing the story of Simon Peter's resolve to be with the Master all through. A ground seemingly well held and ever unyielding, one he even slayed someone over. I take keen interest in his resolve, conviction and passion to which is he fully persuaded. Yet, soon after such display of will, he thugs to an act of betrayal rooted in survival.
Yann Martel in his Novel, 'The Life of Pi', a novel which has sold over a ten million copies and has a 2012 American 3D live-action/computer-animated adventure drama film based on said this about survival, "All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways. This madness can be saving; it is part and parcel of the ability to adapt. Without it, no species would survive." Yann's statement explains the universal quest to live which is believed to be nature's first line defense.
It is amazing how we all will find cause to protect our lives first and do, as a matter of relevance, sort all issues of life primarily by the things that affects our lives first. The multimillion question I guess is, who wants to die, even in the face of death?
It is in the light of ones desire to hold on to life that Peter's case tenders towards justified. One that makes all acts of sin and weakness susceptible to similar justifications. I was pushed to ask myself what is the amazing worst thing I could do in the light of survival instincts? And pretty much so, I recount some dark youthful moments and all I see are actions prompted with an understanding to survive.
Perception of what threatens us forms a huge part of faith. How often we fear what men and circumstances may do to us, and by such interpretation for survival, adaptation becomes the obvious option to survive. Adaptation yet an act in conformity, the very reverse of what the Master all the years had thought Peter. Paul in latter writing puts it this ways, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
I write concerning the one who feared nothing and gave His life in death that we may break the boundaries of fear. I am inspired by Jesus' will not to flee for survival but his choice to freely give even his life to a cause for the renewal of humanity. And by that which inspires me do I write, may all of us find courage yet to hold on to all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. And as Peter, may we find cause to tear if we have and do betray such a noble example.
Yann Martel in his Novel, 'The Life of Pi', a novel which has sold over a ten million copies and has a 2012 American 3D live-action/computer-animated adventure drama film based on said this about survival, "All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways. This madness can be saving; it is part and parcel of the ability to adapt. Without it, no species would survive." Yann's statement explains the universal quest to live which is believed to be nature's first line defense.
It is amazing how we all will find cause to protect our lives first and do, as a matter of relevance, sort all issues of life primarily by the things that affects our lives first. The multimillion question I guess is, who wants to die, even in the face of death?
It is in the light of ones desire to hold on to life that Peter's case tenders towards justified. One that makes all acts of sin and weakness susceptible to similar justifications. I was pushed to ask myself what is the amazing worst thing I could do in the light of survival instincts? And pretty much so, I recount some dark youthful moments and all I see are actions prompted with an understanding to survive.
Perception of what threatens us forms a huge part of faith. How often we fear what men and circumstances may do to us, and by such interpretation for survival, adaptation becomes the obvious option to survive. Adaptation yet an act in conformity, the very reverse of what the Master all the years had thought Peter. Paul in latter writing puts it this ways, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
I write concerning the one who feared nothing and gave His life in death that we may break the boundaries of fear. I am inspired by Jesus' will not to flee for survival but his choice to freely give even his life to a cause for the renewal of humanity. And by that which inspires me do I write, may all of us find courage yet to hold on to all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. And as Peter, may we find cause to tear if we have and do betray such a noble example.
