I have been revisiting a book I read a few years ago, The Life: The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation. It is so refreshing to think back through the struggles I have faced and remember that "He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." - Phil. 1:6
This reassurance gives me hope and longing for the restoration of all things (including myself!). The author speaks briefly of the three relationships that make up different parts of our salvation. Rather than a one-sided view of salvation, this gives a more holistic understanding to the working out of our salvation.
Two of these are pretty self-explanatory. The one that makes me really think is our relationship with the physical world. The author gives this example:
We were created to "rule" the earth, not in a tyrannical way, but rather as images of God. In other words, we are to govern the earth in love, to take care of the physical world that God has given to us. We are to enter into a personal relationship with the world and bring it into our relationship with God:
Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every fowl of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name therof (Genesis 2:19).
In the Bible, a name is much more than a tag to distinguish one thing from another. A name reveals something about the very essence of a thing. Thus, to name something implies a deep, personal knowledge of that thing.
Many of us are great at one or two of the relationships, but we should strive to fulfill all three. I have been doing well at keeping my prayer rule and caring for the physical world, but have I been judging others when I have a plank in my own eye?! I have taken food to people in need, but do I think about the consequences of my use of so much energy on the environment? I have made sure to recycle as much as possible, but am I able to focus while I pray or attend services? Thank God that he is infinitely merciful to us!
I guess that I will continue to struggle through working out my salvation. I feel like this is a great gift. it shows that our relationship with God is dynamic, and not static; it is able to grow and develop. God graciously allows us to make mistakes and repent, and for that I am eternally grateful!
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us
