Fearless Faith

Certain objects or collections of objects we encounter in life are valuable on their face, objective representations that stand on their own merits. Subjective value runs a little deeper and is less certain. If it is true that beauty is found in the eye of the beholder, why do we so casually dismiss others’ understandings of how the world operates? It would seem that we are left with many free will choices that have the capacity to either build up or tear down whatever is before us and in us.

Provenance (understanding the origin or source of something) imparts added value to both objective and subjective elements. Master works in art, music and literature are more highly valued when their provenance is known and authenticated. Signed or notated works often demand premiums of no small sum. Is it any wonder that the art world is so watchful, even bordering on paranoia, when it comes to forgeries?

Human relationships are subject to similar pressures. It is simply easier and less guilt ridden when we can summarily dismiss others for whom we have little affection. When we come face-to-face with our own past - whose we are and where we have been – our relationship with others cannot help but enter the equation. Listening, patience, and quiet observation nudge us in directions we might not have previously considered. Why is that so hard?

We are creatures of habit. To break out and away from the everyday takes determination and commitment. The disciples of Christ discovered early on that Jesus was unwilling to offer up any free passes whenever willful ignorance was present. It is no mystery when it came to the parables that Jesus expected them to consider relationships, and it is surprising how much they would wrestle with the various parables and preachings, and their meanings. It is no easy path to which we are called.

Jesus was known for turning conventional thinking on its ear. It is what was needed to get the disciples off dead center so they could not only take the past into account, but also the present and the future. Their vision was suddenly expanded from a myopic view of life and faith to one where they could begin to see beyond the horizon in any direction. Understanding our origins and the origins of others opens the door for building deeper relationships and results in a value-added position.

It is up to us to emulate a higher plain of thought and action. It is oh so easy to amble along without a worry but for ourselves. It is quite another thing to be authenticated as true followers of that first century carpenter, no forgeries allowed. Be unafraid to face your own past, even if help is needed to do so. When we know ourselves, the value and worth of everyone around us moves closer to a front and center position, truly resulting in another way of living and responding in all the best ways instead of the worst. Provenance matters.