Comment by Forrest Curo on 3rd mo. 21, 2011 at 5:32pm

And how does God tell you when it's time to call 911 without asking?

 

I know we desperately need to stop living our lives as if we were isolated beings, as if we could truly do anything whatsoever apart from God. And I agree that the practice of asking God to clarify all decisions is a good one.

 

I also insist that God did not create us to be finger-puppets. We need to (somehow-- I have trouble working this out, as much as anyone!) keep in mind that greater wisdom than our own is constantly available for consultation-- and to use that source of wisdom

 

but [oy, the endless Forrestian buts!]

 

that divine wisdom is also at work in all the faculties we've been given.

 

We recognize where God's wisdom transcends our own-- by the very discernment God manifests as "our own."

 

I'm not sure how to apply the "God has come to teach his people Himself" metaphor... but to me it suggests a more modern classroom than the one George Fox had in mind. Where the Teacher wants the students to show some interest in working out the subject matter themselves-- so that their minds can be prepared to better follow his teaching.

 

[Just say "No!" to oversimplification!]

Comment by Paula Deming on 3rd mo. 21, 2011 at 7:18pm

I dunno about Forrestian "buts," but I sure do get a kick out of Forrestian "oys"!

There is room for waiting and acting instantly, both. I believe that being firmly rooted in God gives us strength to act immediately. I wouldn't say that God is missing from the action.

And there are times that God would ask us to use our own minds to puzzle out a problem. Just last week, in meeting for worship, I asked the Eternal Guide for help with a burden, even though I had experienced God removing that burden from me already. After waiting for some time, I received an answer: I was to go do some homework, and determine for myself what I liked about this burden that I would prefer to keep picking it back up.

That is a dance between us and God. We are not automatons, although sometimes our instructions are clear and demand immediate and joyful obedience. Don't we get chosen for special tasks because God knows our gifts, which God gave to us?

~Still carrying the burden, but now I know why. I'll wear it as long as I can (oy!).

Comment by Rickey D. Whetstone on 3rd mo. 23, 2011 at 12:01am

What . . . a . . .  quaker type of  merry-go-round . . .  now . . .  I'm getting dizzy.  Just enough logic to chase away  . . .

Comment by Paula Deming on 3rd mo. 23, 2011 at 9:18am

Well, shoot, Rickey. That's about the best I can do with a nonlogical topic like God and perfection. You should have seen my first draft. ;D

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