One and one makes two

Before I entered first grade, I learned that one and one makes two. Remembering this fact is basic to pursuing mathematics. Without acceptance of this simple fact, a career in science is unlikely.

The same principle is at work in the embracing and practicing of Christian faith. Without getting basics right, nothing else will make sense. I am a lifelong Christian and have never considered any other faith. My goal is to have the very best understanding of Christian faith that is humanly possible and to live it right as long as I live on this earth. I invite my readers to go with me on the journey.

The Bible is my book; but it is not a holy book. It is a collection of writings, accumulated by people of faith, who were as determined to get life right, as am I. They argued a lot among themselves. The Bible is an invitation for every creature on earth to join in the argument. The particulars of how the Bible was put together are long. The story is a bit complicated. Some of the story will forever remain a mystery. I freely admit that my spiritual forbearers have set me on a journey. I am working with an inheritance.

The people related to the Bible are not the only ones who have worked and are working on the project of understanding life. I am aware of those who have different religious traditions, and respect them. Time, space and cultures separate us. I am on a journey of my own with my own special communities of believers.

At the beginning of the written collection, one ancient created a myth that made a statement for the ages. It is the first chapter of Genesis. It is often called the creation story, but is in fact the story of God’s reordering the world in the face of chaos. God is shown to be a doer of good. God did his good work so that human beings could join in the doing of good. God addressed chaos with acts of goodness. God shaped human beings in goodness so all could live in completeness. God is good.

This is the basic statement of the Israelite, Christian, Muslim tradition. It is as fundamental as one plus one equals two. If we desert this fundamental understanding, life betrays itself and turns back to chaos. Embrace goodness and the abundant life bursts upon us in endless beauty.

The Bible can be seen and read as a collection of stories that describe what happens in the pursuit of goodness and what happens when the doing of the good is replaced by some other plan. Chaos is the inevitable. The resulting message in this basic truth is very simple. It is stated multiple times in the Old Testament collection and is a centerpiece in the teachings of Jesus from Nazareth. Love your neighbor. Do good for those around you even if they see you as an enemy. The basic question that is to be answered every day in our religious tradition is simple. What is the good that I will do today?

It is one thing to talk or write about the doing of good. It is quite another to become that doer of good. It is a discipline that takes a mind-set. The Apostle Paul described it in this way. “Let this mind be in you that you find in Christ Jesus, who made himself of no reputation and made himself a servant.” In the world in which we live, people desire being a doer of good from a position of privilege, strength and power. People are pleased when their names are put on plaques and buildings in recognition of their generosity or service. They probably do so with genuine pleasure. However, in accepting recognition, they fall short of the Jesus standard. He made of himself no reputation. He died between two criminals and was buried in a borrowed grave. The Christian doer of good is not a ruler. Rather, he/she is a servant, first, last, and always.

In one of Jesus’ memorable quotes, he said “If any among you desire to be great, let him be the servant of all.”

A second image that Jesus left us, was the image of a seed or a bit of leaven. A mustard bush grows from a very small seed. A whole loaf rises from a small addition of leaven. Amazing things happen from simple acts of goodness. His teaching was profound. Return no one evil, but respond to evil with good.

Being a Christian and living as a sincere believer are challenges. Kindness and love are our truest legacy. Our starting point (our two plus two) is a simple recognition that God is good, a doer of good. The good life begins with God’s goodness.

The End

The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister, who lives in Palmer, Alaska. His email address is hdbss@mtaonline.net.