Relationship to the World

Certain people are drawn to living here in North Idaho. They want to live off grid, as far away from as many people as possible and as independent as is feasible. But, no matter how far off the grid we go, how far away we remove ourselves from people, or how independent we get, we are still susceptible to the things of this world.

This world is not a friendly place. There are wars, family factions, terminal illnesses, greedy people, liars, and murders. As one of my elementary school students once declared while he stood on the playground, looking up into the blue sky and stretching out his arms: “None of us will get off this planet alive.”

I’m not sure if he was referring to a line from a movie he’d watched or if he was suddenly inspired by his own child’s innocence. But he was right. 

None of us leave this planet alive. So, as one philosophical author wrote; “How then shall we live?” 

I know that living out of fear is not the way to live. 

I think it’s interesting to note that for many years, there has been a steady stream of people leaving California and more than a few relocating to my neck of the woods. 

I’m a firm believer in getting to know those who live in my neighborhood so of course, when the new neighbors moved in across the street, Fern and Patrick, (not their real names), I took a plate of cookies to them and introduced myself.

They’d come from California. The mom was the new vice principal at the high school and the dad worked the night shift on the assembly line of a local manufacturing company.

I remember the day the high school received a bomb threat and I later talked with Fern. She was visibly upset and told me that they’d left California so they wouldn’t have to be afraid any more. She did not expect to encounter the same circumstances here in North Idaho as she’d experienced in California. They’ve since moved away. 

But, #!%+ happens everywhere on this planet. There is no escape. 

I also know that excluding myself from rubbing shoulders with other human beings is not the answer either. We share this planet with 8 billion other people. Sooner or later there is the chance we’ll bump into someone. 

 I used to visit a local monastery where there was silence, solitude, and a population of less than 50 people. One of the sisters told me that even in a place like a monastery you have to learn how to get along with others. There is just no getting away from people. 

Consequently, while living on this populated planet where I won’t get to leave it alive I’ve discovered a way to live; by not allowing the world, its superficial customs and changing philosophies squeeze me into its mold. How on earth do I do that? 

I’ve gotta tell you, this faith in Jesus thing has some incredible benefits. One that continues to astound me is how I can renew my mind from being overrun by fear. 

I don’t have to let fear have its way with me. Instead, as I continue to put my trust, hope, and reliance on the One who died on my behalf, I’m free from the suffocating clutches of fear.  Sometimes I still get afraid, but I don’t have to let fear have its way in me anymore because of Who I trust. 

Why Bother?

Why bother considering our relationship to the world? “None of us will get off this planet alive,” and the world wants to squeeze me into its mold. How then should I live in relation to the world? I’ve got Christ in me as the world flings itself at me.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.