To Be an 'e.g.' or Not an 'e.g.'

[HKHaugan]

To Be an ‘e.g.’ or Not an ‘e.g.’ 

This morning I had to use a very familiar abbreviation, e.g., as a way to give an illustration of what I meant.  “e.g.” from the Latin, exempli gratia, literally means ‘for the sake of an example’ or more closely ‘I hope this illustration is gracious in its explanation.’  I was using it to explain how we can move from personal aggravations to keeping our selves focused on our real purpose.  When the world around us throws us curves, it’s so easy to get distracted.  Most of the world we live in is way outside of us and is constantly attempting to draw us into its clutches.  When it does, we say and do what we believe is consistent with the truth that is in us and then we move on to the real existence we experience, our daily relational contacts.

 But the ‘e.g.’ wouldn’t leave me because of the word gratia, grace.  I’m immediately drawn to Paul’s spiritual insight that we are saved by grace through faith (Eph.2:8).  Are we e.g.’s, examples of grace at work?  It is not unusual for me to run backwards in my mind and find that I am repeating concepts that I have relayed before.  Concepts are kind of liturgical for me.  That is, they keep popping up to be points of mental worship just like worship services have forms they follow in every denomination. 

 My mind needs to worship God, which is what belief is all about.  If we keep the basic concepts before us that form our belief system, then our heart has a foundation to form and trust the attitudes that belief gives birth to.  They in turn will motivate our spirit to act out of faith.  This is why, in every denomination and so-called non-denominational church, there is a some kind of creedal statement about belief.  Some repeat them every time they worship.  Others are less repetitive that way.  But having an orderly way to think is to believe with the mind.  This is why Paul tells Roman believers to be transformed by the renewal of their mind (Rom.12:2), part of the work of God’s grace restoring our image of Him in us. 

 Transformation does not happen overnight.  It is a process that is lifelong.  The renewal of the mind begins with the Word through which the Holy Spirit works to shape an attitude of constant trust in Jesus.  That trust in Him awakens our hearts to the opportunities every next moment offers.  We know right away that the fear (Heb. meaning respect) of God is the beginning of wisdom. 

 But consider this, isn’t the unknown, the uncertainty we feel in every next moment, every next relational encounter, laced with a certain amount of fear?  You know the kind I’m talking about, the fear of not saying or doing the right thing, not dressed right or looking right or not fitting in to the occasion in the right way?  Isn’t there even a bit of trembling there? Like when you are in a new place with people you don’t know and situations which are completely new to you.  Those moments of aloneness when you are the individual having to respond to a new unexpected experience in the presence of others.  The moments of realization when we could kick ourselves or be offensive or defensive or impetuous or arrogant or stubborn.  You can give pride any name you want here.  And trembling can happen in the closest of ties, husbands, wives, children, friends, business associates, bosses or even at athletic events.  These are the times we work out our inner conflicts between faith and fear.  They are up close and personal.  That’s what we were saved to do.  And it’s challenging work.

 To be an ‘e.g.’ or not an ‘e.g.’, that’s the question.